Publication date:22-September-2003 

The patent portfolio acquired by Umicore incorporates three US patents as well as their foreign counterparts in Europe, Canada and Japan. It is based on research and development work performed by Prof. M. Reetz and Prof. H. Boennemann in the field of catalysis and nano-technology, and offers broad
protection for nano-sized precious metal colloids, for manufacturing methods as well as for precious metal colloid based fuel cell catalysts.

Those protective rights significantly strengthen Umicore’s intellectual property position and fit well into the company’s global fuel cell patent portfolio. Furthermore, they are in line with the ongoing research activities in the field of catalysis.

The Fuel Cell Division of Umicore is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced components for fuel cell systems and operates the first production line for membrane electrode assemblies in Europe. Fuel cells have significant potential as an energy source in a number of stationary,
mobile and automotive applications. Umicore is committed to developing new products that contribute to progress in energy technology, communication technology and environmental protection.

For more information:
n.v. Umicore s.a.:
Investor Relations : Mrs Isabelle MICHOTTE - Tel. +32 2 227 71 47 – isabelle.michotte@umicore.com
Press: Mr Eddy CORNELIS - Tel. +32 2 227 70 64 - +32 475 84 00 94 – eddy.cornelis@umicore.com

PROFIILE
Umicore is an international metals and materials group. Its activities are centred on five business areas : Precious Metals Services, Precious Metals Products and Catalysts, Advanced Materials, Zinc and Copper. Each business area is divided into market-focused business units. Umicore focuses on application areas where it knows its expertise in materials science and metallurgy can make a real difference, be it in products that are essential to everyday life or those at the cutting edge of exciting, new technological developments. Umicore’s overriding goal of sustainable value creation is based on this ambition to develop, produce and recycle metals in a way that fulfils its mission: materials for a better life.

The Umicore Group has industrial operations on all continents and serves a global customer base; it generated a turnover of EUR 3.2 billion in 2002 and currently employs some 12,500 people.