As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2000
Commission File No. 000-26068
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware 95-4405754
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
55 South Lake Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
(626) 396-8300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrant's principal executive offices)
VICTORIA WHITE, ESQ.
VP, LEGAL AFFAIRS
55 SOUTH LAKE AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91101
(626) 396-8300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
code, of agent for service)
COPY TO:
JOHN LACO, ESQ.
O'MELVENY & MYERS LLP
400 SOUTH HOPE STREET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071
(213) 430-6000
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
On April 7, 2000, we issued a press release announcing that, on April 5, 2000,
one of our subsidiaries, Soundview Technologies, Inc., filed a lawsuit in the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Sony
Corporation of America, Philips Electronics North America Corporation, the
Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, and the Consumer Electronics
Association. The lawsuit alleges a violation of federal patent and antitrust
laws and involves Soundview's United States Patent No. 4,554,584.
The lawsuit is at a preliminary stage, and we cannot assure you that the outcome
of this litigation will be favorable to Soundview. For example, Soundview may
not prevail or may not be able to stop the entities named in the lawsuit from
using its patented "V-chip" technology without appropriate remuneration to
Soundview. In addition, these defendants or others could file counterclaims,
separate lawsuits, or other proceedings against Soundview, possibly seeking a
determination that the patent is not infringed, is invalid, or is unenforceable,
or seeking other relief. An unfavorable result could affect the value of
Soundview's patent.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
Exhibit Description
Number
99.1 Press release announcing a lawsuit filed by Soundview Technologies, Inc.
against Sony Corporation of America, Inc., Philips Electronics North
America Corporation, the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association
and the Consumer Electronics Association.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION
By: /s/ Paul R. Ryan
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Paul R. Ryan
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 7, 2000