Acacia Research Names Robert L. Harris II to Its Board of Directors and Elects Paul R. Ryan as Chairman.

Business Editors

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2000

Acacia Research Corp. (NNM:ACRI) announced today that it has named Robert L. Harris II to its Board of Directors and elected Paul R. Ryan as Chairman.

Mr. Harris founded Entertainment Properties Trust (EPR), a New York Stock Exchange listed company, in 1997 and served as its President and a Director.

Previously, Mr. Harris led the International Division of AMC Entertainment and was President of Carlton Browne and Company, a holding company and trust with assets in real estate, insurance and financial services.

Mr. Harris is a member of the Board of Directors of Imperial Bancorp (NYSE:IMP), Imperial Ventures, Imperial Creditcorp, and The George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University.

Mr. Harris' election fills the vacancy created by the retirement of R. Bruce Stewart as Chairman and member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Stewart will continue to serve the Company primarily in the area of capital formation for its network of partner companies.

The Board of Directors acknowledged and recognized Mr. Stewart's role as founder of the Company and his subsequent years of service to the Company.

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, Inc. (b2b e-commerce), and Signature-mail LLC (personalized e-mail service). Acacia Research's website is located at http://www.acaciaresearch.com.