Exhibit 99.1

FOR RELEASE
February 15, 2001

ACACIA RESEARCH AFFILIATE CLOSES OPERATIONS

     PASADENA, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - February 15, 2001 -
Acacia Research Corporation (Nasdaq: ACRI) announced today
that its majority-owned affiliate, Soundbreak.com, has closed
operations.

     "Due to market conditions, we were unable to monetize the
business plan or to raise the additional capital necessary to
sustain the company's long-term growth," commented Paul Ryan,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "We concluded that the
prudent business decision was to close operations and return
the remaining capital to shareholders."

     "Soundbreak was successful in building a growing audience
but like many other Internet media companies, it was unable to
generate sufficient online advertising revenues," Mr. Ryan
stated.

     "The dedicated employees of Soundbreak should be very
proud of having created the first 24/7 live webcast," concluded
Mr. Ryan.

ABOUT ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

Acacia Research develops and operates life science and enabling
technology companies.  The company's core technology
opportunity has been developed through its subsidiary,
CombiMatrix Corporation.  Acacia Research intends to build
and acquire companies in the life science and material science
fields that will utilize CombiMatrix's biochip technology.
Acacia Research's website is located at www.acaciaresearch.com.