Acacia Research Affiliate Launches Internet Software Service for Personalized E-mail

Business Wire, Feb 11, 1999

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 1999--Acacia Research Corp. (Nasdaq/NMS:ACRI) Wednesday announced that its affiliate, Signature-mail.com llc, has launched its on-demand software service that allows users to personalize their e-mail and computer documents with handwritten signatures, greetings and drawings.

Version 1.0 of Signature-mail(tm) includes contributions of the approximately 10,000 people who participated in beta testing. The company believes that Signature-mail will change the look of e-mail forever.

Signature-mail.com's Web site is a "virtual manufacturing plant" -- open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- producing customized software within seconds of receiving customers' orders. Signature-mail is compatible with the latest PC e-mail programs including Netscape Communicator/Messenger, Microsoft IE4/Outlook Express, Outlook 98, AOL 4.0 and Eudora Pro 4.1.

Version 1.0 stores up to 25 handwritten images that the user creates. Each image, as well as its size and color, can be changed for each use with a simple click of the mouse. Unlimited access to the service allows subscribers to order and replace images as often as they like.

During February, to celebrate the Signature-mail launch, the company will give free one-year subscriptions to people who sign up for the service. Details of the free offer are available at http://www.signature-mail.com.

Signature-mail.com's mission is to become the leading provider of software services that personalize e-mail with proprietary mass customization technologies. The company will sell through electronic and conventional media and deliver its products directly to customers online.

Signature-mail.com has a series of five patent applications and several more are in process for unique features as well as methods used for the automated mass customization of the production and delivery of Signature-mail. Signature-mail.com is also developing additional proprietary technologies for other platforms and products.

Acacia Research acquired a 25 percent interest in Signature-mail.com in April 1998.

Acacia Research is a diversified company with interests in several enterprises -- CombiMatrix Corp. (biochips/drug discovery technology), Greenwich Information Technologies LLC (video and audio-on-demand technology), Signature-mail.com llc (personalized e-mail service), MerkWerks Corp. (software development), Soundview Technologies Inc. (V-chip technology), Whitewing Labs Inc. (marketer of nutritional supplements), and Acacia Capital Management (investment advisory services).