RNS Number:0749R
DRS Data & Research Services PLC
20 October 2003


DRS AND NCS SETTLE PATENT LITIGATION

DRS Data & Research Services plc and NCS Pearson Inc have today announced that
they have settled the outstanding patent litigation between them.

DRS commenced this action in January 2003 seeking to revoke five patents owned
by NCS covering some aspects of using technology in examination marking. The
trial was due to take place in the High Court, starting on 17 November 2003. 

In the settlement that has been reached between the two companies, DRS has 
agreed to withdraw the revocation action in respect of the patents and NCS has 
agreed to grant a licence to DRS to use the patents and to sell its e-marking 
products.

Representatives of both DRS and NCS say that they are pleased with the
settlement which, in the circumstances, benefits both parties.

The provision in the DRS first half year's results for the cost of the trial can
now be released into the second half year's results.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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