Meade Instruments Corp. Receives Formal Notice of Additional Computer-Telescope Patents

Business Wire, April 11, 2002

Business Editors & Retail Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2002

Meade Instruments Corp. (Nasdaq:MEAD) today announced that it has received formal notification from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") regarding two additional patents relating to the Company's computer-telescope technology.

As previously announced on October 22, 2001, Meade's first computer-telescope patent (U.S. Patent No. 6,304,376, titled "Fully Automated Telescope with Distributed Intelligence") covers the architecture by which the several microprocessors in a computerized telescope communicate with one another in an optimal manner, permitting the telescope to be manufactured on a more cost-efficient basis than would otherwise be possible.

On February 6, 2002, the USPTO formally notified Meade that its second patent in the field has been approved for issuance. This patent covers the alignment of a computer telescope to the sky, using the so-called "level the telescope and point it North" or "level-North" procedure invented by the Company. The level-North procedure permits a novice to readily align a telescope's computer, even if one has no knowledge of the sky or star-positions.

On March 26, 2002, the USPTO formally notified the Company that a third computer-telescope patent, titled "Upgradeable Telescope System," has been approved for issuance. This patent addresses an aspect of computer-telescope design such that one electromechanical platform can support several distinct modular formats.

"These three patents form the basis of the computer-telescope technology pioneered by Meade Instruments," noted John C. Diebel, the Company's chairman and CEO. "They constitute valuable intellectual property, and -- as we have previously noted -- we will vigorously defend them and other patents we may receive in seeking to protect the interests of the Company and its shareholders.

"We currently have several other patents pending at the USPTO, including applications covering areas such as telescope alignment by GPS satellite signals. Although there can be no guarantee that we will be successful in securing these patents, we believe that our applications strongly support the protection we seek."

Meade is a leading designer and manufacturer of optical products including telescopes and accessories for the beginning to serious amateur astronomer. Meade also offers a complete line of binoculars that address the needs of everyone from the casual viewer to the serious sporting or birding observer. The Company distributes its products worldwide through a network of specialty retailers, mass merchandisers and foreign distributors. Additional information on Meade is available at www.meade.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The matters discussed in this news release contain comments and forward-looking statements based on current plans, exceptions, events, and financial and industry trends that may affect the Company's future operating results and financial position. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which cannot be predicted or quantified and which may cause future activities and results of operations to differ materially from those discussed above. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with market acceptance of new technologies, as well as the ability to obtain intellectual property protection for additional technologies; any significant decline in general economic conditions or uncertainties affecting consumer spending; any general decline in demand for the Company's products; greater than anticipated competition; any loss of, or failure to replace, any significant portion of the sales made to any significant customer of the Company; the inherent risks associated with international sales, as well as the other risks and uncertainties previously set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The historical results achieved are not necessarily indicative of future prospects of the Company. For additional information, refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.