Tavistock Regulatory News (TAVI)

6 Oct 2005 07:00

Bright Things plc05 October 2005 6 October 2005 Bright Things Receives Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent on Interactive DVDTechnology Bright Things plc, the developer of an educational games console, Bubble, andassociated software for the pre-school market, is pleased to announce that ithas secured a key patent milestone in the US. The Company has received a Noticeof Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its patentapplication entitled "Remote Control for Providing Interactive DVD NavigationBased on User Response". The technology is an integral part of Bright Things'interactive DVD product, Bubble, and protects the core technology of thecompany. The Bubble was recently launched in the UK ahead of the important Christmas 2005trading period and is available at a number of key retailers includingWoolworths, Toys 'R' Us, Early Learning Centre and Argos. We are pleased to report that Bubble was yesterday awarded 'Top Ten Pre-School'toy by The Toy Retailers Association. The patent to be granted describes a method of providing an interactive mediaexperience using standard DVD content and an intelligent remote control device.Rather than relying solely on the limited capabilities and interactivity thatcan be provided in the DVD format, the complimentary technology enables morecomplex logic and decision making, providing PC like interactive features notavailable using the DVD format alone. The patent collectively will containthirty-eight method and apparatus claims. Dominic Wheatley, CEO of Bright Things, said, "We are extremely pleased aboutthe allowance of this first patent in the interactive DVD space. This firstaward in the US helps protect our innovative technology and further endorses ourcompetitive position. We have 15 further patent applications pending and arehopeful that this is the first of many patents that will be received." -Ends- More product information is available at www.worldofbubble.com For further information please contact: Bright Things PLC 0870 351 7770Dominic Wheatley, CEOAdy Moores, CFOMatthew Tims, Publishing DirectorJonathan Glass / Mark Antelme, Brunswick 020 7404 5959 About Bright Things plc Bright Things plc is an innovative interactive entertainment company created byformer senior executives of video game publisher Eidos. Initially focused onthe pre-school market, Bright Things has created 'Bubble', an interactive DVDgames console that enables young children to learn and interact with theirfavorite television characters and brands. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange