TeleCommunication Systems And Acacia Subsidiary Enter Into Patent Licensing Alliance

ANNAPOLIS, Md. and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, and Acacia Research Corporation (NASDAQ: ACTG), a leader in patent licensing, today announced that TCS and a subsidiary of Acacia have entered into a patent licensing alliance, whereby the Acacia subsidiary has acquired the rights to a portion of TCS' wireless data synchronization & data transfer patent portfolio.

TCS' wireless technology enables the seamless synchronization of data between handheld devices, tablets, e-readers and servers. These patents were part of the foundational work that was done by Aether Systems in the 1990's to address the need to securely and accurately synchronize data to handheld devices used by financial traders and businesses. TCS acquired the Enterprise Mobility Solutions division of Aether in 2004.

"Yet another important step in our patent licensing initiatives has been taken today," said Maurice B. Tose, TCS chairman, CEO and president. "We look forward to maximizing the potential return on the Aether patent portfolio, and we will continue to seek out similar opportunities."

"We are pleased to once again be selected to help TCS realize fair value from their research and development investment," said Paul Ryan, CEO of Acacia.

With clear strengths in public safety, mobile location, messaging, and the wireless communication fields, TCS has created an impressive intellectual property portfolio. Meaningful partnerships with other industry-leading companies can be developed through direct licensing, cross licensing and joint venture agreements. In 2012, TCS was issued 52 U.S. patents; for the year to date, TCS filed 86 U.S. patents, bringing the total number of patents issued worldwide to TCS to date to 271, with over 380 patent applications pending worldwide.

About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS) is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology. TCS infrastructure forms the foundation for market leading solutions in E9-1-1, text messaging, commercial location and deployable wireless communications. TCS is at the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services providing wireless applications for navigation, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics. Millions of consumers around the world use TCS wireless apps as a fundamental part of their daily lives. Government agencies utilize TCS' cyber security expertise, professional services, and highly secure deployable satellite solutions for mission-critical communications. Headquartered in Annapolis, MD, TCS maintains technical, service and sales offices around the world. To learn more about emerging and innovative wireless technologies, visit www.telecomsys.com.

About Acacia Research Corporation
Acacia Research Corporation's subsidiaries partner with inventors and patent owners, license the patents to corporate users, and share the revenue. Acacia Research Corporation's subsidiaries control over 250 patent portfolios, covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries.

Information about Acacia Research Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.acaciaresearchgroup.com and www.acaciaresearch.com.

TCS Safe Harbor Information
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that if incorrect would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Specifically, the statement that, "this alliance will enable us to efficiently optimize our return on the company's investment in these patents" is a forward-looking statement. Risks include without limitation the possibility that no licensing revenues will result from these efforts, and those detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.

Acacia Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the recent economic slowdown affecting technology companies, the ability to successfully develop licensing programs and attract new business, rapid technological change in relevant markets, changes in demand for current and future intellectual property rights, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments addressing licensing and enforcement of patents and/or intellectual property in general, and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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SOURCE TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.