SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct 3, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, prevailed in court today when jurors decided in the company's favor against a competitor -- Dassault Systemes' Spatial Division. The jury validated a long-standing software license agreement and Autodesk's work with contractors and developers on the ACIS(R) technology.

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"We are pleased with today's verdict. We maintained all along that this lawsuit was without merit. Now, a jury agreed by delivering a decision in our favor," said Marcia Sterling, senior vice president and general counsel at Autodesk. "Autodesk believes that our industry thrives on healthy competition and as such prefers to compete in the marketplace -- not a court of law. After Dassault Systemes' acquired Spatial Technologies it attempted to reinterpret a 10-year-old contract involving contractors and development of the ACIS technology. Autodesk prevailed in our right to continue working with the most talented pool of resources available in the way the contract intended."

By managing its own development, Autodesk provides its mechanical design software an edge in the market unmatched by competitors and reinforces the company's commitment to the manufacturing marketplace. From the ACIS kernel, Autodesk developed ShapeManager -- the purpose-built, feature-based modeling technology introduced with Autodesk Inventor(R) Series 5.3 software in January 2002. It continues to be significantly enhanced with each new release of Autodesk Inventor Series.

"Autodesk dedicates its resources to developing innovative 3D design solutions that solve our customers' biggest business challenges -- reducing time to market, lowering costs and eliminating errors," said Robert Kross, vice president, Autodesk manufacturing solutions division. "Our commitment to building solutions for our customers was never in doubt despite this overreaching competitor suit."

The trial lasted 10 days concluding on Oct. 2, 2003. The Marin County jury deliberated for 1 hour 45 minutes. Autodesk was represented by Robert Feldman and Rod Strickland of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich and Rosati.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders

CONTACT: Shannon Hart of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6241, or shannon.hart@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Shannon Hart of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6241, or
shannon.hart@autodesk.com
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