Belgium: Response of Philips and InBev to alleged patent infringement action by Heineken

Belgian brewer InBev SA announced on September 28 that PerfectDraft®, a home-draught beer system developed by Philips and InBev, does not infringe any patents as claimed. The PerfectDraft® system, first launched in Belgium in November 2004, was developed fully respecting all intellectual property rights. Heineken’s claims are without merit, InBev stated.

PerfectDraft® is an exciting system which combines a high-quality appliance and consumer-preferred beer brands in light metal kegs, delivering the great taste of draught beer in the comfort of one’s own home. This system has been developed jointly by InBev, the world’s leading brewer, and by Philips.

InBev is a publicly traded company (Euronext: INB) based in Leuven, Belgium. The company's origins date back to 1366, and today it is the leading global brewer by volume. InBev’s strategy is to strengthen its local platforms by building significant positions in the world's major beer markets through organic growth, world-class efficiency, targeted acquisitions, and by putting consumers first. InBev has a portfolio of more than 200 brands, including Stella Artois®, BRAHMA®, Beck’s®, Skol®—the third-largest selling beer brand in the world—Leffe®, Hoegaarden®, Staropramen® and Bass®. InBev employs some 77,000 people, running operations in over 30 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. In 2004, InBev realized a net turnover of 8.57 billion euro (including four months of AmBev). For further information visit www.inbev.com.

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is one of the world’s biggest electronics companies and Europe’s largest, with sales of EUR 30.3 billion in 2004. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 159,700 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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