Fargo Electronics Receives U.S. Patents 6,362,893, 6,384,854, and 6,386,772.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2002

Fargo Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRGO) today announced that it has received three U.S. Patents: 6,362,893, "Security Printing and Unlocking Mechanism for High Security Printers (`893);" 6,384,854, "Printer Using Thermal Head (`854);" and 6,386,772, "Method and Apparatus for Communicating Between Printer or Laminator and Supplies (`772)." In addition, Fargo announced that it has received three separate "Notice of Allowance" notifications from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the final step prior to issuance of a patent.

"The new `893 patent covers the use of a programmed Smart Card as a key to prevent the unauthorized use of Fargo ID Card printer/encoders, and is featured as standard equipment on Fargo's HDP820, Pro-LX and DTC500 series.," said Jeffrey D. Upin, Fargo's General Counsel. "The new `854 patent covers the use of a variable printhead voltage and other techniques to reduce printhead stress, and is featured on the HDP820 and DTC500 series. The `772 patent covers methods and techniques of communication between Fargo printer/encoders and the supplies, such as ribbon and overlaminates, which the printer uses. It is currently incorporated in Fargo's DTC500 series printer/encoders.

Notice of Allowance has been received by Fargo for "Multiple Card Hopper for Card Printer;" "Thermal Printhead Compensation;" and Sensor for Identifying Marks on a Ribbon."

"These patents, which have also been filed overseas, will add to our strong and growing intellectual property portfolio. It further protects Fargo's proprietary designs, and demonstrates our continued industry leadership in innovations which benefit the end user," Upin said. "We are very pleased with these patents, which will offer our product lines and distribution partners additional competitive strength.

"Fargo has been granted 27 U.S. patents and has over 90 patent applications pending, related to specific card printer technology such as lamination, card flipping, ribbon technology, High Definition Printing, dual input hoppers and output stackers. Our ability to bring such ideas to the card personalization market gives end users greater flexibility and leads ultimately to Fargo's strength and growth in the marketplace," Upin said.

About Fargo

Fargo Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRGO) is the world's leader in innovative technologies for desktop plastic card personalization systems. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Fargo creates printing systems that personalize plastic identification cards, complete with digital images and text, lamination, and electronically encoded information.

Personalized identification cards provide physical, information and transaction security for a wide variety of applications including retail stores, e-commerce, government installations, schools, sports and recreation facilities, clubs and associations, and correctional facilities. More than 60,000 Fargo systems are currently installed throughout the U.S. and in over 100 other countries. For more information, visit Fargo's Web site at http://www.fargo.com.