SEO Stanelco

RNS Number:7878E
BioProgress PLC
03 November 2004


Press Release                                        3 November 2004


                                  BioProgress plc

                         ("BioProgress" or "the Company")

              Further success for BioProgress in patent entitlement case


BioProgress plc (AIM: BPRG; NASDAQ: BPRG) announces that in a hearing yesterday
in the dispute between BioProgress Technology Limited and Stanelco Fibre Optics
Limited ("Stanelco"), the UK Patents Court made further rulings following the
previous judgment handed down on 1 October 2004.


The Court made various declarations about which company had invented the process
of sealing water-soluble polymeric materials by radio frequency ("RF") welding
in order to form capsules.  These declarations made reference to BioProgress'
sole entitlement to the main claim and all except three subsidiary claims in the
Master Patent.  The Court also clarified that BioProgress' entitlement to the
main patent claims in the Master Patent conferred no right upon Stanelco to use
any of the subsidiary processes without the permission of BioProgress.


In its earlier judgment, the Court had held that Stanelco had misused
Bioprogress' confidential information by making the patent filings which founded
the three families of patents.  Yesterday, the Court made an Order for the
commencement of the procedure for assessing the amount to be paid in damages by
Stanelco to BioProgress for breach of confidence.


Stanelco was ordered to disclose details of its foreign patent applications, so
that ownership of all patents and patent applications in the Master Patent
family can be dealt with at a further, final hearing in approximately 4-6 weeks
time.


The Court also made an order for costs in favour of BioProgress.  Stanelco must
make an interim payment towards these costs of approximately #180,000 within two
weeks.


At the end of the hearing, Stanelco indicated that it had commenced an
application to request the Court to reconsider certain aspects of the previous
judgment.  Stanelco was ordered to file its evidence within seven days.


Graham Hind, Chief Executive of BioProgress said: "We are very pleased that the
Court has confirmed our entitlement to the main patent claims in the Master
Patent and has awarded us interim costs.  The Court has made clear directives to
Stanelco as to the course of action it must now take.  We remain as comfortable
as we have always been with our position, and will be making no further comment
until the next hearing is concluded."


                                    - Ends -


Forward-Looking Information.

The Ordinary Shares of BioProgress plc are registered under the US Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934.  This announcement contains certain "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995.  These statements are based on management's current expectations and
are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances.  Actual results may
vary materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking
statements.  The forward-looking statements in this release include statements
addressing future financial and operating results and the timing and benefits of
the reorganisation.  Detailed information about factors pertinent to the
business of the company that could cause actual results to differ is set forth
in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The
Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation
to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.  This announcement is for information
only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to acquire or dispose of any
securities or investment advice.  The distribution of the announcement and/or
issue of securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons
into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves
about and to observe such restrictions.


                                    - Ends -


For further information:

BioProgress plc

Graham Hind, Chief Executive                            Tel: +44 (0) 1354 655674
grahamhind@bioprogress.com                                   www.bioprogress.com


Media enquiries:
Abchurch

Henry Harrison-Topham / Heather Salmond                Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700
heather.salmond@abchurch-group.com                        www.abchurch-group.com


Notes to editors:


BioProgress listed on AIM in May 2003 and is engaged in the research,
development, and design of patented encapsulation systems that use water soluble
and biodegradable films for the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical and other
sectors.  The Company's portfolio comprises over 80 patents granted or in
application within 24 patent families and has product development agreements and
strategic alliances with several global companies.  BioProgress aims to provide
a cost effective and animal-free encapsulation process for pharmaceutical drugs
in liquids, tablets and powders, thereby addressing the needs of the entire
market for oral dosage forms while providing novel delivery mechanisms not
possible with traditional processes.


The Company has also developed patented and licensed the world's first flushable
ostomy pouch that offers a newly enhanced quality of life not previously
possible for the end user. Market research shows the global ostomy market to be
worth $1 billion annually.


The Company's business model provides it with several significant revenue
streams including sales of encapsulating machines and film, plus licence and
fees for research development services.


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

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