1
Exhibit 99.2
PATENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS PATENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT is entered into on December 15, 1997,
effective as of the 28th day of November 1997, by and between Kubota
Corporation, a Japanese corporation ("Kubota"), StorMedia Incorporated, a
Delaware corporation ("Buyer") and StorMedia International Ltd., a Cayman
Islands corporation ("SMIL").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Akashic Memories Corporation, a California corporation
("Akashic") is a subsidiary of Akashic International Inc., a California
corporation ("AII") which in turn is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Kubota. Akashic (a) is the owner and operator of a business consisting of the
design, development, manufacture, sale, marketing and distribution of thin film
media and substrates therefore which business has been operated at facilities
located in California and in Malaysia (the "Business") and (b) owns the assets
that are used in the Business.
WHEREAS, Buyer, StorMedia Acquisition Corporation ("Sub"), Kubota, AII
and Akashic have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the
"Reorganization Agreement") of even date herewith pursuant to which Buyer will
acquire Akashic through a merger (the "Merger") of Sub with and into Akashic
pursuant to an Agreement of Merger (the "Agreement of Merger") which shall occur
upon the filing of the Agreement of Merger with the California Secretary of
State (the "Effective Time").
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof Kubota owns certain patents, patent
applications and other intellectual property as developed for the Business at
the Itami laboratory, such patents and patent applications to be listed on
Exhibit A hereto ("Itami IP").
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the date hereof, for good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which Kubota has acknowledged, Kubota shall have
granted an exclusive, perpetual, fully paid royalty free license of the Itami IP
to SMIL for exploitation and use of such Itami IP outside the U.S. (the "SMIL
License").
WHEREAS, Buyer desire to purchase the Itami IP subject to the SMIL
License.
WHEREAS, Buyer and Kubota agree that time is of the essence in the
closing of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
set forth in this Agreement, Kubota and Buyer agree as follows:
2
ARTICLE 1
CONSIDERATION AND CLOSING
1.1 PURCHASE PRICE. Buyer hereby agrees to purchase and Kubota
hereby agrees to sell to Buyer, the Itami IP subject to the to SMIL License. As
consideration for the Itami IP, Buyer agrees, subject to the terms, conditions
and limitations set forth in this Agreement, to pay, and Kubota agrees to
accept, as the "IP Purchase Price," 2,000,000 shares of Buyer's Class A Common
Stock. With respect to the payment for the SMIL License, SMIL has previously
paid adequate consideration to Kubota. Thereby, after the Closing, the entire
Itami IP shall have been acquired by Buyer and its affiliates.
1.2 CLOSING. The Closing will take place at the offices of Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx at 000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxx Xxxx, XX on a date
mutually agreed to by the parties which the parties shall use reasonable efforts
to be prior to December 31, 1997 (the "Closing"). Each of the parties shall use
their reasonable efforts to satisfy the closing conditions set forth in Article
4 hereof and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
1.3 DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING. At the Closing, (i) Kubota will
deliver to Buyer the various certificates, instruments, and documents referred
to in Section 4.1 below, and (ii) Buyer will deliver to Kubota the various
certificates, instruments, and documents referred to in Section 4.2 below.
ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS OF KUBOTA
Kubota hereby represents to Buyer as follows:
2.1 ORGANIZATION. Kubota is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation and has all necessary corporate power and authority to own and
lease its properties and assets and to carry on its businesses as now being
conducted.
2.2 AUTHORITY. Kubota has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Kubota and
the consummation by Kubota of the transactions contemplated hereby have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Kubota. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Kubota and constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of Kubota, enforceable in accordance with its terms
except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and subject to
rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief and other
equitable remedies. Except for certain third party consents which shall be
obtained prior to the Closing, the execution and delivery of this Agreement do
not, and the consummation of the transactions
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contemplated hereby and compliance with the provisions hereof will not, conflict
with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse
of time or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration of any obligation or loss of a material benefit under, any
provision of the charter documents of Kubota or any loan or credit agreement,
note, bond, mortgage, indenture, license, lease or other agreement or
instrument, permit, concession, franchise, judgment, order, decree, statute,
law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Kubota or the properties or
assets of Kubota.
2.3 GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. Subject to compliance with the
Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act")
and approval from Japan Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan, no consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with
any governmental authority is required by or with respect to Kubota in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Kubota or the
consummation by Kubota of the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS OF BUYER
Buyer represents to Kubota as follows:
3.1 ORGANIZATION. Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware and has all necessary
corporate power and authority to own and lease all of its properties and assets
and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted.
3.2 AUTHORITY. Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority
to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer and the
consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and constitutes a valid
and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable in accordance with its terms except
as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and subject to rules
of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable
remedies. Except for certain third party consents which shall be obtained prior
to the Closing, the execution and delivery of this Agreement will not, and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and compliance with the
provisions hereof will not, conflict with or result in any violation of, or
default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise
to a right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation or
loss of a material benefit under, any provision of the charter documents of
Buyer or any loan or credit agreement, note, bond mortgage, indenture, lease or
other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment,
order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Buyer
or its properties or assets, which has not been waived.
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3.3 GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. Subject to compliance with the HSR Act,
and approval from Japan Ministry of Finance and the Bank Japan, no consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with
any governmental authority is required by or with respect to Buyer in connection
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer or the consummation
by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE 4
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
4.1 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF BUYER. The obligation of Buyer to
consummate the transaction to be performed by it in connection herewith is
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) Representations. The representations set forth in
Section 2 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
Closing.
(b) Intellectual Property. Kubota shall quit claim to Buyer,
Akashic or any affiliate of Buyer designated by Buyer prior to Closing all of
the Itami IP and Kubota and Buyer shall enter into an agreement pursuant to
which Buyer grants to Kubota and its affiliates a fully paid, royalty free,
perpetual, worldwide, nonexclusive license to the Itami IP for use in the area
of sputtering targets and other areas, but excluding thin film media and
substrates.
(c) Regulatory Approvals. All applicable regulatory
approvals, authorizations and consents shall have been obtained including,
without limitation, HSR, the Japanese Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan.
(d) Officer's Certificate. Kubota shall deliver a
certificate to Buyer executed by duly authorized officers certifying compliance
with subsections 4.1(a), (b) and (c).
(e) Withholding Tax. Kubota shall deliver to Buyer a check
in the amount of any withholding taxes payable by Buyer as a result of the
transactions contemplated hereby and shall indemnify Buyer against the payment
of any such withholding taxes hereafter determined by any governmental agency to
be owing by Buyer in connection with the transactions hereunder.
4.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF KUBOTA. The obligation of Kubota to
consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection herewith is
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
(a) Purchase Price. Buyer shall deliver at Closing a
certificate representing 2,000,000 of shares of Buyer's Class A Common Stock
registered in the name of Kubota.
(b) Representations. The representations of Buyer set forth
in Section 3 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
Closing.
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5
(c) Regulatory Approvals. All applicable regulatory
approvals, authorizations and consents shall have been obtained, including,
without limitation, HSR, the Japanese Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan.
(d) Officer's Certificate. Buyer shall deliver a certificate
to Kubota executed by a duly authorized officer certifying compliance with
subsections 4.2(b) and (c).
ARTICLE 5
COVENANTS
5.1 PATENT APPLICATIONS. Upon request, Kubota and its affiliates
shall cooperate with Akashic and Buyer at Akashic's expense after the Closing to
file any U.S. or foreign patents or patent applications with respect to the
Itami IP. Kubota shall not be obligated to translate any patents contained in
the Itami IP into English.
5.2 COVENANT NOT TO XXX. Kubota on behalf of itself and its
affiliates hereby agrees not to xxx or bring any cause of action or proceeding
against Buyer, its affiliates, licensees or customers or Akashic alleging
infringement or improper use of any patents, patent applications or other
intellectual property owned by or licensed to Kubota or any of its affiliates as
of the Closing, with respect to Akashic's thin film media and substrate
businesses.
5.3 LIST OF PATENTS. The parties agree to substitute an English
translation for Exhibit A prior to the closing, such list to include not less
than all patents described in Exhibit B hereto.
5.4 TRANSFER OF ITAMI IP. The parties acknowledge that it may not be
possible to complete all required paperwork to formally transfer all of the
Itami IP prior to the Closing. Kubota agrees to complete all such transfers and
make all necessary filings, at its expense, promptly following the Closing and
to cooperate with Buyer, upon request by Buyer, to complete such transfers. The
parties further agree and acknowledge that Buyer may request that certain rights
to the Itami IP which Kubota agrees to grant pursuant to Section 4.1(b) above be
granted to certain affiliates of Buyer and the parties agree to cooperate in
making such grants.
ARTICLE 6
GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California without giving
effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State
of California or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the
laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California as applied to
contracts entered into and to be performed in the State of California.
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6.2 NOTICES. All notices or reports permitted or required under this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person, mailed by first
class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, sent by overnight courier,
or sent by telex, telegram, telecopier or electronic mail to:
If to Kubota:
Kubota Corporation
0-00 Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0-xxxxx,
Xxxxxx-xx Xxxxx, 000 Xxxxx
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxx
Fax: 00-000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxxxx & Xxxxx
000 Xxxxxx Xxx
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
If to Buyer or SMIL:
StorMedia Incorporated
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, P.C.
000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx X. X'Xxxxx
Fax: 000-000-0000
By written notice to the other party, a party may change the address to which
notices and other communications shall be directed. Notice shall be deemed to
have been given upon the earlier to occur of (i) the third business day
following dispatch by one of the foregoing methods or (ii) actual receipt.
6.3 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS. The
representations and warranties of the parties set forth in this Agreement or any
certificate or instrument delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the Closing.
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7
6.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement
represent and constitute the entire agreement between the parties, and supersede
all prior agreements and understandings with respect to the matters covered by
this Agreement and the Reorganization Agreement, and, except for the
Reorganization Agreement, there are no other agreements, warranties or
representations which are not set forth herein.
6.5 WAIVER. Kubota or Buyer may, by written notice to the other, (i)
waive any of the conditions to its obligations hereunder or extend the time for
the performance of any obligations or actions of the other, (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations of the other contained in this Agreement or
any documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) waive compliance with
any of the covenants of the other contained in this Agreement and (iv) waive
performance of any obligations by the other. The waiver of one breach or default
hereunder shall not constitute the waiver of any subsequent breach or default.
6.6 EXPENSES. All expenses incurred by either party in connection
with the execution and performance of this Agreement shall be the obligation of
and shall be paid by such party.
6.7 DISPUTE FEES. In the event of a dispute arising under this
Agreement which results in arbitration or litigation, the prevailing party shall
be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses, including but not limited
to reasonable attorneys' and expert witness fees incurred by it in pursuing such
dispute, as determined by the court in any such proceeding.
6.8 BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon
the parties and inure to the benefit of the successors, assigns, heirs and legal
representatives of the respective parties hereto; provided, however, that this
Agreement and all rights hereunder may not be assigned by any party hereto
except by or with the prior written consent of the other party, with such
consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement
the day and date first above written.
Kubota Corporation
By: /s/ XXXXX XXXX
---------------------------------------------
Title: Xxxxx Xxxx, Manager
------------------------------------------
StorMedia Incorporated
By:
---------------------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------------------
StorMedia International Ltd.
By:
---------------------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------------------
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement
the day and date first above written.
Kubota Corporation
By:
---------------------------------------------
Title:
------------------------------------------
StorMedia Incorporated
By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXX
---------------------------------------------
Title: CEO
------------------------------------------
StorMedia International Ltd.
By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXX
---------------------------------------------
Title: CEO
------------------------------------------
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EXHIBIT A
U.S. PATENT & APPLICATION LIST Dec. 12, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Patent Priority
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Title of the Invention Application Patent Maintenance Application
Number Number Fee Country Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Magnetic Recording Medium of 07/581266 5013616 paid for Japan S62-170547
Thin Metal Film Type Sep. 12, 1990 May 7, 1991 8 years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Magnetic Recording Medium 07/424500 5082750 paid for Japan S63-266955
of Thin Metal Film Type Oct. 20, 1989 Jan. 21, 1992 8 years Japan H01-147640
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Magnetic Recording Medium 07/931366 5314745 paid for Japan H04-006791
having a Glass Substrate --- Aug. 18, 1992 May 24, 1994 8 years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Metal thin film magnetic 08/208958 5480733 paid for Japan H05-054155
recording medium Mar. 11, 1994 Jan. 2, 1996 4 years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Metal thin film magnetic 08/206849 Registered Japan H05-152403
recording medium Mar. 7, 1994 Jun. 12, 0000 Xxxxx H05-257176
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Magnetic recording media of 08/692491 Japan H08-018701
metallic thin film type Aug. 6, 0000 Xxxxx H08-174842
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Metal thin film magnetic 08/845441 Japan H07-279027
recording medium Apl. 25, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Metal thin film magnetic 08/847467 Japan H07-301248
recording medium Apl. 25, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Magnetic recording Medium 08/877,579 Japan H08-33710
and Process for Producing Jun. 17, 1997
Same
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Metal thin film magnetic 08/892,977 Japan H08-229617
recording medium Jly. 15, 0000 Xxxxx H08-319462
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
No. Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------
1 The Co-Ni-Cr-P alloy has a composition represented
by the (Co(100-a)Ni(a))(100-b-c)cr(b)P(c)
formula Wherein a, b and c each represent atomic %,
and a=3 to 40%, b=2 to 10%, c=2 to 7%
--------------------------------------------------------------
2 Co1-x-zCrxNbz alloy, Co1-x-y-zCrxNiyNbz alloy
x is 0.08 to 0.15, y is 0.05 to 0.25, z is 0.03 to
0.1 atomic%
--------------------------------------------------------------
3 Glass plate/nonmagnetic metal/NiP layer/ Under layer
/ Mag Nonmagnetic layer: Cr,Ti,Cr-Ti
--------------------------------------------------------------
4 Glass plate/NiPx/Cr/Mag x is one or more elements
belonging to a group of 4,5 and 6 in a periodic
table.
--------------------------------------------------------------
5 A seed layer comprising an oxygen-containing non-
magnetic amorphous metal or a non-magnetic amorphous
metal having an oxygen-containing layer on the
surface.
--------------------------------------------------------------
A seed layer comprising an amorphous Cr- or V-alloy
6 Pre-layer is Cr-Ni, Cr-Ni-x, Cr-Ni-N, Cr-Ni-N-x
x is W, Mo, Ta, Nb, W-Mo
--------------------------------------------------------------
7 Substrate/Ion irradiation/Under layer/Mag
ion: Ar ion or O ion or N ion
Ion irradiation on substrate surface to achieve high
Hc & better noise
--------------------------------------------------------------
8 Substrate/Under layer/Mag
Under layer: Cr-Ta-Cu Ta: 1 to 6%, Cu: 1 to 6%
Combined technology of Cr-Ta-Cu as under layer and
Co-Cr-Ta-Pt as mag layer
--------------------------------------------------------------
9 Appropriate cleaning condition for disks to decrease
the glide high-noise. The method to evaluate a very
surface contamination on a disk by using glide test
and clean disk created by applying this method.
--------------------------------------------------------------
10 Pre-layer: Cr-Ni-Cu
Ni:36 to 46%, Cu:0.5 to 6%
Cr-Ni-Cu as prelayer refines Co structure and get
high Hc and reduce media noise
--------------------------------------------------------------
11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United States Patent Priority
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Title of the Invention Application Patent Number Maintenance Fee Country Application
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Metal thin film magnetic Applied Japan H08-315902
recording medium Jun.12.1997 Japan H08-315928
H08-153609
12 Metal thin film magnetic Applied Japan H08-318937
recording medium Jly.4.1997 Japan H08-319416
13 Method of Producing Magnetic Applied Japan H09-170081
Recording Medium Base Plate Nov.24.1997
and Magnetic Recording
Medium
14 Optimized recording medium- France 96-15214
magnetic head assembly
--------------------------------------------------------------
No. Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------
11 Design of bump height & pitch to get excellent glide
and CSS performances
12 Substrate/amorphous Cr/crystalization Cr-Ni/Under
layer
Substrate/Ni-P-x/crystalization Cr-Ni/Under layer
Film structure for glass substrate.
13 More particularly, the invention relates to methods
of producing a magnetic recording medium base plate
and an anisotropy for improvement of an
electromagnetic conversion Characteristic which has
a close relationship with the magnetic anisotropy.
14 Optimized medium with Silmag Planer head
(Joint application with SILMAG)
FRENCH PATENT & APPLICATION LIST Dec. 12, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
French Patent Priority
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Title of the Invention Application Patent Number Country Application
Number Number
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ENSEMBLE SUPPORT 96-15214
D'ENREGISTREMENT-TETE Dec.11,1996
MAGNETIQUE OPTIMISE
-------------------------------------------------
No. Summary
-------------------------------------------------
1 Optimized medium with Silmag Planer head
(Joint application with SILMAG)
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12
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request Limit to
Application Published Published for Exsam. Request Decision
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date for Exsam. *1 Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 S61-272653 Nov/15/1986 1017492 PREPARATION OF FILM S63-127433 May/31/1988 Apr/14/1993 Apr/16/1996
ON MAGNETIC DISK
SUBSTRATE BY
SPUTTERING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 S62-170547 Jul/07/1987 1018276 THIN METAL FILM TYPE H01-013220 Jan/18/1989 Aug/11/1987 Jan/23/1996
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 S63-057046 Mar/10/1988 1018747 STRUCTURE OF SOLID H01-232520 Sep/18/1989 Feb/01/1995 Jan/14/1997
LUBRICATING FILM OF
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 S63-057047 Mar/10/1988 1018793 STRUCTURE OF SURFACE H01-232521 Sep/18/1989 Feb/01/1995
LUBRICATING FILM OF
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 S63-266956 Oct/21/1988 1020032 THIN METALLIC FILM H02-113419 Apr/25/1990 Sep/28/1995
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 H01-147637 Jun/09/1989 1020538 THIN METALLIC FILM H03-012813 Jan/21/1991 Jun/02/1993 Feb/27/1996
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Patent Registration
No. Date Remark
----------------------------------------
1 02071152 Jul/10/1996 Oct/25/1988
*2
----------------------------------------
2 02048055 Apr/25/1996 Jul/31/1998
*2
----------------------------------------
3 02626737 Apr/18/1997 Apr/18/2000
*2
----------------------------------------
4
----------------------------------------
5
----------------------------------------
6 02527616 Jun/14/1996 Jun/14/1999
*2
----------------------------------------
-3-
13
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request Limit to
Application Published Published for Exsam. Request
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date for Exsam. *1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 H01-147638 Jun/09/1989 1020539 THIN METALLIC FILM H03-012814 Jan/21/1991 Jun/02/1993
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 H01-147639 Jun/09/1989 1020540 THIN METALLIC FILM H03-012815 Jan/21/1991 Jun/02/1993
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 H01-147640 Jun/09/1989 1020541 THIN METALLIC FILM H02-192010 Jul/27/1990 Jun/02/1993
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 H01-147641 Jun/09/1989 1021073 THIN METALLIC FILM H03-012816 Jan/21/1991 Jun/02/1993
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 H01-208930 Aug/11/1989 1020534 CARBONACEOUS SOLID H03-071419 Mar/27/1991 Jun/02/1993
LUBRICATING FILM
STRUCTURE ON SURFACE
OF MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM AND
FILM FORMATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 H01-208935 Aug/11/1989 1020536 PROTECTIVE FILM H03-073412 Mar/28/1991 Jun/02/1993
STRUCTURE FOR
MAGNETIC LAYER OF
MAGNETIC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Decision Patent Registration
Date No. Date Remark
----------------------------------------------------
7 Feb/27/1996 02527617 Jun/14/1996 Jun/14/1999
*2
-----------------------------------------------------
8 Feb/27/1996 02527618 Jun/14/1996 Jun/14/1999
*2
-----------------------------------------------------
9 May/14/1996 02544205 Jul/25/1996 Jul/25/1999
*2
-----------------------------------------------------
10 Jun/04/1996 02552546 Aug/22/1996 Aug/22/1999
*2
-----------------------------------------------------
11 May/14/1996 02544206 Jul/25/1996 Jul/25/1999
*2
-----------------------------------------------------
12 Feb/27/1996 02527623 Jun/14/1996 Jun/14/1999
*2
-----------------------------------------------------
-4-
14
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request
Application Published Published for Exsam.
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 H02-042266 Feb/22/1990 1021710 CARBONACEOUS H03-245321 Oct/31/1991 Nov/30/1996
PROTECTIVE FILM FOR
METAL THIN FILM TYPE
MAGNETIC RECORDING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 H02-134595 May/24/1990 1021709 METALLIC THIN FILM H04-028013 Jan/30/1992 Nov/29/1995
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING DISK
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 H02-176797 Jul/03/1990 1022843 CARBON PROTECTIVE H04-064920 Feb/28/1992 Jan/10/1997
FILM FOR METALLIC
THIN FILM TYPE
MAGNETIC RECORDING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 H02-192607 Jul/19/1990 1022841 MANUFACTURE OF THIN H04-079025 Mar/12/1992 Nov/29/1995
METALLIC FILM TYPE
MAGNETIC RECORDING
DISK
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 H03-094672 Jan/28/1991 1023426 THIN METALLIC FILM H04-253307 Sep/09/1992 Mar/30/1996
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 H03-059105 Mar/22/1991 1023974 MAGNETIC RECORDING H04-295615 Oct/20/1992
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 H03-061978 Mar/26/1991 1023988 MANUFACTURE OF H04-295626 Oct/20/1992
MAGNETIC
RECORDING
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Limit to
Request Decision Patent Registration
for Exsam. *1 Date No. Date Remark
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
13
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14
---------------------------------------------------------------------
15
---------------------------------------------------------------------
16
---------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Nov/18/1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------
18 Mar/22/1998
---------------------------------------------------------------------
19 Mar/26/1998
-5-
15
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Request
Application Published Published for Exsam.
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 H03-168476 Jul/09/1991 1024633 MAGNETIC RECORDING H05-020659 Jan/29/1993
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 H03-171369 Jul/11/1991 1024616 MAGNETIC RECORDING H05-020680 Jan/29/1993
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 H03-171370 Jul/11/1991 1024634 MAGNETIC RECORDING H05-020681 Jan/29/1993
MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23 H03-178462 Jul/18/1991 1024668 METALLIC THIN FILM H05-028469 Feb/05/1993
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 H03-178463 Jul/18/1991 1024669 METALLIC THIN FILM H05-028470 Feb/05/1993
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25 H03-182690 Jul/23/1991 1024609 PRODUCTION OF H05-028483 Feb/05/1993
METALLIC THIN FILM
TAPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 H03-182691 Jul/23/1991 1024774 PRODUCTION OF H05-028473 Feb/05/1993
METALLIC THIN FILM
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Limit to
Request Decision Patent Registration
for Exsam. *1 Date No. Date Remark
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20 Jul/09/1998
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21 Jul/11/1998
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22 Jul/11/1998
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23 Jul/18/1998
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24 Jul/18/1998
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25 Jul/23/1998
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26 Jul/23/1998
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16
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
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Request Limit to
Application Published Published for Exsam. Request
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date for Exsam. *1
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27 H03-184774 Jul/24/1991 1024642 PRODUCTION OF H05-028484 Feb/05/1993 Jul/24/1998
METALLIC THIN FILM
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 H03-184775 Jul/24/1991 1024643 PRODUCTION OF H05-028485 Feb/05/1993 Jul/24/1998
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
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29 H03-213928 Aug/26/1991 1024852 METALLIC THIN FILM H05-054372 Mar/05/1993 Aug/26/1998
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
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30 H03-303549 Nov/19/1991 1025035 METAL THIN FILM H05-143972 Jun/11/1993 Nov/19/1998
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM AND ITS
PRODUCTION
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31 H03-303550 Nov/19/1991 1025036 METAL THIN FILM TYPE H05-143969 Jun/11/1993 Nov/19/1998
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
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32 H03-303551 Nov/19/1991 1025045 METAL THIN FILM TYPE H05-143970 Jun/11/1993 Jan/12/1995
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33 H03-303552 Nov/19/1991 1025046 METAL THIN FILM TYPE H05-143971 Jun/11/1993 Nov/19/1998
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Decision Patent Registration
Date No. Date Remark
----------------------------------------------------
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27
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28
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29
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30
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31
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32
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33
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17
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
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Request
Application Published Published for Exsam.
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date
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34 H04-006791 Jan/17/1992 1025546 THIN METAL FILM TYPE H05-197941 Aug/06/1993 Dec/13/1995
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35 H04-253084 Sep/22/1992 1200032 METAL THIN FILM H06-104113 Apr/15/1994 Dec/13/1995
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36 H05-054155 Mar/15/1993 1201080 METAL FILM TYPE H06-267050 Sep/22/1994 Dec/26/1996
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37 H05-065502 Mar/24/1993 1201067 PRODUCTION OF H06-274870 Sep/30/1994 Dec/26/1996
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38 H05-082122 Apr/08/1993 1201135 PRODUCTION OF H06-295433 Oct/21/1994 Jan/10/1997
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39 H05-101564 Apr/27/1993 1201194 PRODUCTION OF H06-309666 Nov/04/1994
METALLIC THIN FILM
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 H05-101565 Apr/27/1993 1201263 THIN METALLIC FILM H06-310330 Nov/04/1994 Jan/10/1997
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
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Limit to
Request Decision Patent Registration
for Exsam. *1 Date No. Date Remark
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34 Nov/11/1997
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35 Oct/28/1997
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36
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37
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38
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39 Apr/27/2000
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40
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18
KUBOTA HARD DISK DIVISION - JAPANESE PATENT LIST
------------------------------------------------
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Request Limit to
Application Published Published for Exsam. Request
No. Filing Date No. Title No. Date Date for Exsam. *1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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41 H05-101566 Apr/27/1993 1201623 METAL THIN FILM TYPE H06-309644 Nov/04/1994 Jan/10/1997
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42 H05-101567 Apr/27/1993 1201624 THIN METALLIC FILM H06-310328 Nov/04/1994 Jan/10/1997
MAGNETIC RECORDING
MEDIUM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43 H05-143942 Jun/15/1993 1201551 METHOD FOR MODIFYING H07-006362 Jan/10/1995 Jan/10/1997
SURFACE OF MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44 H05-149469 Jun/21/1993 1201688 METALLIC THIN FILM H07-006344 Jan/10/1995 Jun/21/2000
TYPE MAGNETIC
RECORDING MEDIUM
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45 H05-150754 Jun/22/1993 1201232 HEAD FLOATING AMOUNT H07-014334 Jan/17/1995 Jun/22/2000
MEASURING DEVICE FOR
HARD DISK
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46 H05-155554 Jun/25/1993 1201233 HEAD FLOATING AMOUNT H07-014335 Jan/17/1995 Jun/25/2000
MEASURING DEVICE FOR
HARD DISK
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Decision Patent Registration
Date No. Date Remark
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41
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42
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43
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44
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45
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46
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-9-
