New York (September 14, 2006) - Open Invention Network (OIN), the company formed to spur innovation and protect Linux, and NEC Corporation (NEC) today announced that NEC has joined IBM, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony as an investor and licensee in OIN. NEC’s investment and participation in OIN will foster collaboration, promote innovation and grow the Linux ecosystem.  

“The rapid pace of innovation and openness of the Linux System make it attractive for hardware companies, software vendors and integrators to build and embed it in their products,” said Jerry Rosenthal, chief executive officer of Open Invention Network, LLC. “With the addition of NEC as an investor and licensee, we will be able to increase our pace of intellectual property acquisition and sharing. This will strengthen the Linux System.”

“We believe that innovation is one of the biggest hallmarks for success. Linux is one of the most innovative and collaborative technologies ever, and a key growth driver for emerging markets,” said Tsutomu Nakamura, senior vice president at NEC. “NEC is committed to building and fostering innovation. Open Invention Network is a rare and powerful force that is working to ensure that Linux is protected and available for all. We wanted to participate in that effort.”

Patents owned by OIN are available royalty-free to any company, institution or individual that agrees not to assert its patents against the Linux System. This enables companies to make significant corporate and capital expenditure investments in Linux – helping to fuel economic growth. According to International Data Corporation, the worldwide Linux business is expected to grow 25.9 percent annually, doubling from $20 billion in 2005 to more than $40 billion in 2008.

About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) is one of the world's leading providers of Internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and had net sales of approximately 4,825 billion yen (approx. $41.2 billion) in the fiscal year ended March 2006. For additional information, please visit the NEC home page and NEC Newsroom .

About Open Invention Network
Open Invention Network is an intellectual property company formed to further the Linux System by acquiring patents and ensuring their availability. It promotes a positive, fertile ecosystem for Linux, which in turn drives innovation and choice in the global marketplace. Open Invention Network has considerable industry backing. It was launched in 2005, and has received investments from IBM, NEC, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony. For more information go to open inventation network .

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For Open Invention Network Media-Only Contact:
Ed Schauweker
ed.schauweker@ketchum.com
703-963-5238

NEC Media Contact:
In Japan
Yasuhito Jochi
NEC Corporation
y-jochi@bp.jp.nec.com
+81-3-3798-6511