Idemitsu Kosan - Page 6

Idemitsu Kosan and Universal Display Corporation today announced that they have signed a non-exclusive collaboration agreement to accelerate the development of blue phosphorescent OLED materials. The collaboration will focus on blue phosphorescent OLED materials for use in displays fabricated through "dry" processing methods, such as vacuum thermal evaporation. The collaboration work will start between Universal Display and Idemitsu Kosan immediately after execution of their agreement.

To date, Idemitsu Kosan has been developing and commercializing mainly excellent fluorescent OLED materials (blue, green and red). Idemitsu Kosan is now supplying these materials to OLED display manufacturers throughout the world. Idemitsu Kosan is especially well-known for its blue fluorescent OLED material, which currently has the top market share in the world.

Universal Display is a leading developer of OLED technologies and materials, and holds basic patents on phosphorescent OLEDs. Many OLED display manufacturers are now evaluating Universal Display's PHOLED(TM) phosphorescent OLED technology and its red and green PHOLED materials, and Universal Display's red PHOLED material is currently being used in commercial production.

With Idemitsu Kosan's valuable experience and accomplishments in the development of blue fluorescent OLED materials, and Universal Display's leadership and pioneering efforts in phosphorescent OLED technology and materials, both companies are optimistic that they will be able to accelerate progress in the area of blue phosphorescent OLEDs through this collaboration.

Mitsui Chemicals and Idemitsu Kosan have reached the agreement to establish a business alliance in R&D and manufacturing of OLED materials. MCI and Idemitsu continually examine to strengthen business areas in common, taking occasion to "the agreement to comprehensively study for cooperation in Chiba area" in February 2004.

The development of new OLED materials will be conducted by each firm. However, MCI and Idemitsu will significantly enhance efficiency of developing materials by combining "advanced molecular design and synthetic technology" of MCI and Idemitsu with "material's integration technology and practical evaluation technology", in which Idemitsu gains predominance.

Sony announced that it will jointly develop OLED materials with Japanese oil company Idemitsu Kosan. The two companies will also cross-licence OLED-related patents as part of the joint development plan, which was spelled out in a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies in Tokyo today.

Sony and Idemitsu are expecting to sign a formal deal by the end of January. The deal will (initially) cover a 5-year development effort.