Business Services Industry

Autobytel Inc. Files Suit Against Dealix Corporation for Patent Infringement; U.S. Patent No. 6,282,517 Protects Real Time Communication of Purchase Requests

Business Wire, Dec 11, 2004

IRVINE, Calif. -- Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTLE), a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, has filed a lawsuit against Dealix Corporation in order to protect the Company's intellectual property. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,282,517, entitled "Real Time Communication of Purchase Requests," which was issued in August 2001 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Patent is directed toward an innovative method and system for matching customers and sellers in connection with the purchase of goods and services over the Internet and other computer networks.

"The U.S. Patent Office recognized the unique nature of the Autobytel technology which has helped to revolutionize sales and marketing in the automotive and other industries," said Autobytel Inc. President and CEO Jeffrey Schwartz. "Autobytel views its intellectual property as a significant asset and is determined to protect and enforce its rights with respect to its intellectual property."

The Patent can be found at http://www.uspto.gov/.> About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTLE), a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising, data and CRM (customer relationship management) products and programs. The Company owns and operates the automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, Car.com and AutoSite.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a trusted industry source of automotive marketing data and technology for over 20 years. Autobytel is also a leader in dealership lead management and CRM solutions and owns and operates AVV, Inc., a top provider of dealership CRM and sales management products, and Retention Performance Marketing, Inc., (RPM(R)), which powers dealerships with cutting-edge customer loyalty and retention marketing programs. As the Internet's largest new car buying service, Autobytel generates over a billion dollars a month in car sales for dealers through its services and was the most visited new car buying and research destination in 2003, reaching millions of car shoppers as they made their vehicle buying decisions. Autobytel's car-selling sites and lead management products are used by more of the nation's top-100 e-dealers than any other program.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Autobytel undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements are changes in general economic conditions, the economic impact of terrorist attacks or military actions, increased dealer attrition, pressure on dealer fees, increased or unexpected competition, the failure to realize anticipated synergies from acquired entities, costs related to acquisitions, failure to retain key employees at acquired entities, difficulties in successfully integrating the businesses and technologies of acquired entities and Autobytel, that actual costs and expenses exceed the charges taken by Autobytel, changes in laws and regulations, costs of defending lawsuits and undertaking investigations and related matters and other matters disclosed in Autobytel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are strongly encouraged to review our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could affect operating results and the market price of our stock.