Acacia Research Names Daniel Kelly, Former Disney Interactive Executive, as Vice President, Strategic Development.

Business Editors

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2000

Acacia Research Corporation (Nasdaq:ACRI) announced today that it has named Daniel Kelly, former Director of Business Development and Licensing at Disney Interactive, as Vice President, Strategic Development.

Mr. Kelly will work with the other executives at Acacia Research to identify and evaluate new business opportunities and to support the continuing development of Acacia Research and the companies it incubates.

&uot;We are extremely pleased to have Dan Kelly join our management team,&uot; said CEO and President Paul R. Ryan. &uot;His knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we grow the company and further expand into the Internet market.&uot;

As Director of Business Development and Licensing at Disney Interactive, Mr. Kelly managed a team of business development professionals responsible for content and distribution for interactive entertainment. During his tenure, Mr. Kelly successfully developed numerous strategic relationships for Disney Interactive resulting in new revenue streams and market opportunities. Prior to this, Mr. Kelly was Director of ESPN Sports and Online Business at Disney Interactive, where he oversaw business development, product planning and marketing, and was liaison executive to Disney's Buena Vista Internet Group.

Mr. Kelly holds a B.S. from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Management from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University. Prior to his career with Disney, Mr. Kelly was a management consultant with KPMG Peat Marwick.

About Acacia Research Corporation

Acacia Research develops and operates Internet and technology-related businesses as well as acquires strategic positions in other companies. Acacia Research's majority-owned subsidiaries include: Acacia Launchpad LLC (Internet incubator), CombiMatrix Corporation (biochip technology), MerkWerks Corporation (software development), Soundbreak.com Incorporated (music broadcast and lifestyle Internet site), and Soundview Technologies Incorporated (v-chip technology). Significant minority-owned affiliates include: The EC Company (b2b eTransactions), Greenwich Information Technologies LLC (video- and audio-on-demand technology), Mediaconnex Communications (b2b e-commerce), and Signature-mail (personalized e-mail service).

Acacia Research's website is located at http://www.acaciaresearch.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the &uot;safe harbor&uot; provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements address future events and conditions concerning the Company's and its subsidiaries' business plans. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, such as future economic conditions, changes in consumer demand, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments, and other circumstances affecting anticipated revenues and costs, which may cause actual results to differ materially. The Company expressly disclaims any future obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein.