Applied Materials Notified of DOJ Investigation.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 2000

The Department of Justice has notified Applied Materials, Inc. that it has begun an investigation of the company's licensing of technology. The company stated it believes that its technology licensing practices are in full compliance with the law and that it will cooperate fully with the Department in its investigation.

"This appears to be a routine inquiry into a small part of Applied Materials' business -- licensing of intellectual property, including patents. Applied Materials makes significant investments in developing solutions for our customers. Intellectual property helps to protect both our customers' and Applied Materials' own investment in innovation," said Joseph J. Sweeney, Applied Materials group vice president of Legal Affairs and Intellectual Property. "We anticipate that following an evaluation of the facts, the Department staff will conclude that no further action is warranted and the investigation will be closed."

Applied Materials (Nasdaq:AMAT) is a leader of the Information Age and the world's largest supplier of products and services to the global semiconductor industry. Applied Materials' web site is http://www.appliedmaterials.com.