Saflink Announces Patent Award
Company granted claims confirming that its patented biometric network security solutions also encompass the use of identification cards
BELLEVUE, WA –(September 14, 2005) – Saflink ® Corporation (NASDAQ: SFLK ), a leading provider of biometric and smart card security solutions , announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has issued the Company a new patent covering the use of identification cards in network access control. This newly issued patent is a continuation of an earlier Saflink patent, and describes the Company’s invention of a system to protect access to computer networks through the use of identification cards in combination with biometrics.
The newly issued continuation Patent No. 6,928,547, entitled “System and Method for Authenticating Users in a Computer Network,” expressly covers authentication methods that include the use of ID cards, such as smart cards, proximity cards, or swipe cards, to access computers and network resources via biometric security. The patent describes how the Company’s solutions use an ID card to identify users requiring access, dictate access control policies, and manage groups of users.
The earlier Saflink patent (Patent No. 6,618,806) covers methods for controlling access to computer networks and resources using biometrics and authentication rules, including the Company’s unique product SAFsolution. This product provides IT policy makers and network administrators tight control over the selection of biometric devices and security levels. Control is highly configurable, allowing specific biometrics—such as finger , iris, face, and voice authentication—and security levels to be mandated for specific users, for groups, for selected computers used to access confidential information or resources, and even for each document, report, or other information requiring protection. The Saflink solution can automatically adapt to the enterprise network and determine what security policies are followed based on the logon technologies available to each end user each time they logon or are authenticated.
“We are very pleased the PTO awarded our key claims covering the use of ID cards and biometrics,” said Glenn Argenbright, President and CEO of Saflink. “We continue to see the convergence of smart cards and biometrics on key programs in the public sector, such as TWIC and HSPD-12 driven activities, as well as in certain commercial sectors. We believe securing patents directly connected to these initiatives is a key company asset and can help build a foundation for future competitive advantages.”
Argenbright continued, “ As biometric and authentication technologies become more mainstream, we believe current and future competitors may be tempted to engage in activities or produce solutions that could infringe on these and other patents in our portfolio. We have commenced legal action against one such party and we intend to vigorously pursue the protection of our intellectual property rights.”
About Saflink
Saflink Corporation offers biometric security and smart card solutions that protect intellectual property, secure information assets and eliminate passwords. Saflink Identity Assurance Management ™ solutions allow administrators to verify identity and control access to computer networks, physical facilities and applications. Saflink also offers protection and privacy for email, web applications and electronic documents. For more information, please visit http://www.saflink.com or call 800-762-9595.
NOTE: “Saflink” is a registered trademark and “Identity Assurance Management” is a trademark of Saflink Corporation.
This release contains information about management’s view of Saflink’s future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with our financial condition, our ability to sell our products, our ability to compete with competitors and the growth of the security market, and other risks detailedin our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as other documents we fileperiodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission . There is also a risk that claims allowed on any patents or trademarks we hold may not be broad enough to protect our technology. In addition, our patents or trademarks may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, and we cannot be certain that the rights granted under any patent or trademark will provide competitive advantages to us. We may have to litigate to enforce our patents or trademarks or to determine the scope and validity of other parties’ proprietary rights. Litigation could be very costly and divert management’s attention. An adverse outcome in any litigation could adversely affect our financial results and stock price.
Saflink PRESS CONTACT:
Sterling Communications
Rachel Berry
(253) 853-5030
rberry@sterlingpr.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
Investor Awareness, Inc.
Tony Schor, President
(847) 945-2222
tony@investorawareness.com