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Draka Comteq August, 2007 Press Release Regarding OFS Patent Litigation
Claremont, North Carolina USA - August 17, 2007

Draka Comteq Americas, Inc, a joint venture of Alcatel-Lucent and Draka Holding NV and a leading manufacturer of optical fiber, fiber optic cables, and copper communications cables, has formally responded to a lawsuit for alleged patent infringement filed against it in North Carolina Federal Court by Furukawa Electric North America ("FENA"), owner of OFS Fitel.  In its response, Draka Comteq Americas completely and categorically denied all allegations that it has infringed any patents allegedly owned by FENA.  Draka Comteq Americas also asserted counterclaims based on the unenforceability of the patents that FENA has asserted. 

In addition, Draka Comteq Americas has filed a patent infringement case against FENA and its subsidiary, OFS Fitel, in the U.S District Court in Marshall, Texas.  In that case, Draka Comteq Americas identifies at least eight valid and enforceable U.S. patents that FENA and OFS Fitel infringe, and requests as a remedy both monetary damages and injunctive relief. 

"Draka Comteq Americas is an industry leader in developing relevant intellectual property.  As such, we take our position surrounding intellectual property, as well as our obligations as a good corporate citizen, very seriously," stated Jacques Blanc, Chief Operating Officer for Draka Comteq. "Our response in the North Carolina lawsuit demonstrates our strong belief that Draka Comteq Americas has not infringed anyone's patent rights and that we will be totally vindicated in this proceeding."  Mr. Blanc further stated "Indeed, our review of this matter demonstrated that it was actually FENA and OFS Fitel -- and not us -- that were engaging in patent infringement, and that they were doing so by violating numerous Draka Comteq Americas patents.  These improper acts of infringement necessitated our commencement of the lawsuit in Texas, where we are confident we will prevail."   

Draka is a 97 year old wire and cable company engaged worldwide in providing innovative cabling solutions for a wide range of applications. A top five cabler worldwide, Draka focuses its solutions through:
Draka Comteq, providing communications cabling solutions and
Draka Cableteq, providing low-voltage and specialty cabling solutions.

For more information, visit Draka Comteq on the Internet: http://www.drakacomteq.us

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Draka Comteq Media Contact:
Tina Bryant
Phone  828.459.8772
Fax      828.459.8444
Tina.Bryant@draka.com