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Embargoed Release: 07:00hrs Monday 18th August 2008

Block Shield Corporation plc

('Block Shield' or the 'Group')

Grant of Key Patent for EMI Shielding 

Block Shield Corporation plc, the provider of innovative electronic components and processes utilised in electromagnetic compatibility ('EMC') and Radio Frequency Identification ('RFID') applications, is pleased to announce its wholly-owned subsidiary WaveZero Inc ('WaveZero'), a leader in Electromagnetic Interference ('EMI'), Radio Frequency Interference and electrostatic discharge shielding solutions, has received notification from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that it has been granted a new patent with regard to EMI shielding solutions for electronic devices. 

The granted patent protects the production of WaveZero's EMI shield which contains and protects against high frequency electromagnetic radiation created by electronic devices such as a medical defibrillator, cellular telephones and other electronic instruments. EMI shields prevent electromagnetic radiation from penetrating a device that could potentially cause electronic failure. Additionally, it conforms to established global regulations that are dedicated to reducing harmful electromagnetic radiation emissions from entering the atmosphere. 

A novel aspect of WaveZero's EMI shield is its use of inherently conductive plastics such as thermoformable polymeric substrates as the core material in its composition. The substrate is metallised on all surfaces by WaveZero's unique vacuum metallisation techniques, providing superior benefits over standard metal cases and cans, and reducing the field failure that can be found in standard EMC coatings. The incorporation of thermoformable materials in WaveZero's EMI shields enables them to be moulded into any desirable form during fabrication, allowing design engineers to create 'no compromises' design. 

The board considers this patent to be of strategic importance in advancing the swift adoption of WaveZero's groundbreaking EMI shielding applications by electronic device fabricators in medical electronics and other companies, providing a lightweight and highly flexible alternative to traditional solutions such as cans and metal housings.  

To date, Block Shield has been granted a total of 13 patents. 

Edwin Oh, chief executive officer of Block Shield, commented:

'The grant of this patent represents another major technical milestone for Block Shield. WaveZero's Form/Met technology enables medical equipment OEMs, contract manufacturers, as well as participants in the defence and other high-value industries to replace many metal cans with one custom, lightweight shield. Form/Met enclosure shields will also protect the systems in such industries from susceptibility to outside emissions, guarding against external interference that can cause devices to malfunction in the field.' 

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For further information contact:

For US enquiries: 

Block Shield Corporation Plc 

Edwin Oh, Chief Executive Officer

+1 408 702 1800

    

Catherine van Zuylen, vice president, marketing 

+1 408-830-5100 ex 828

For UK enquiries: 

Hansard Group 

Vikki Krause

020 7245 1100

ABOUT WAVEZERO INC.

WaveZero, Inc. is a leader in the development and manufacturing of extremely low cost, environmentally friendly EMI/RFI/ESD shielding solutions. The company provides DeepCoat vacuum metallisation services and Form/Met shielding products to meet board-level and other EMC shielding needs. In 2004, WaveZero, Inc. was acquired by Block Shield L.L.C., a publicly traded company on AIM, part of the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit http://www.wavezero.com or call +1 408 702 1800.

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