Panicware Wins Legal Battle Regarding Copyright Infringement Against Mobile Software...

SEATTLE -- On January 21, 2004, The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington held for Panicware in a copyright infringement case against Mobile Software Technologies and Kenny Vadas.

Panicware Inc., a developer of PC software solutions, announces a major legal victory against Mobile Software Technologies, which had been illegally selling Panicware's popular, free download, Pop-Up Stopper(R) from its web site. Panicware has been promoting both free and paid versions of Pop-Up Stopper since 2000, and the product line is a top seller in retail stores across the nation. Panicware was notified of these illegal sales by loyal customers who bought the product and then found out it was a free product provided for personal use by Panicware. The court held that the defendants had willfully infringed Panicware's exclusive rights in its protected software work and that Panicware was entitled to a judgment in the amount of $150,000 for willful infringement of Panicware's copyright.

Panicware actively protects its intellectual property and encourages other shareware and freeware authors to do the same.

"Panicware takes pride in our intellectual property and we work hard to protect our rights. We believe all companies, big or small, should understand that even though legal bills can be costly, sometimes the cost of doing nothing is far greater. We hope that this case will discourage others from infringing on copyrights or taking advantage of software authors on the Internet," said Matina Fresenius, CEO of Panicware.

"We were extremely pleased to be able to achieve such a fine result for our client. This is exactly the kind of business success that our opening of a Seattle office was designed to achieve -- combining long-standing relationships with major Seattle clients with the national reputation and experience of Darby & Darby," commented David K. Tellekson, Managing Principal of Darby & Darby's Seattle office, who represented Panicware in this case. Since its opening in September 2003, Darby & Darby's Seattle office has grown to twelve attorneys.

About Panicware Inc.

Founded in 2000, Panicware Inc. is a developer of privacy technology and Internet browsing enhancement tools. Panicware products are available via the Internet (www.panicware.com) or via retail stores in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. Contact Panicware Inc. at media@panicware.com

About Darby & Darby

Darby & Darby is a full-service intellectual property firm that has focused on patents, copyrights, trademarks, and false advertising for over 100 years. As one of the oldest and largest intellectual property firms in the United States, with more than 100 professionals, Darby & Darby has long been an important player in pioneering and precedent-setting IP matters. The firm has offices in New York City and Seattle.