GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via COMTEX) — O2Micro International Limited OIIM -1.25%  , a global leader in the design, development and marketing of high-performance integrated circuits and solutions, announced a patent grant from the Japanese Patent Office for its Multi-cell Battery Pack Monitoring systems and methods.

O2Micro was issued 8 claims under Japanese Patent number 5,324,483. Similar to the United States version issued under patent number 8,253,383, this invention provides a current-mode, voltage detection circuit and methodology to protect a multi-cell, rechargeable battery pack from over-voltage or under-voltage fault conditions.

“This invention protects battery packs and extends battery life for handheld devices, desktop and notebook computers, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid EVs (HEVs),” said Bill Densham, strategic marketing director, O2Micro.

About O2Micro

Founded in April 1995, O2Micro develops and markets innovative power management components for the Computer, Consumer, Industrial, Automotive and Communications markets. Products include LED General Lighting, Backlighting, Battery Management and Power Management.

O2Micro International maintains an extensive portfolio of intellectual property with 24,081 patent claims granted, and over 25,000 more pending. The company maintains offices worldwide. Additional company and product information can be found on the company website at www.o2micro.com.

O2Micro, the O2Micro logo, and combinations thereof are registered trademarks of O2Micro. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Statements made in this release that are not historical, including statements regarding O2Micro’s or management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, plans or predictions of the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as reduced demand for products of electronic equipment manufacturers which include O2Micro’s products due to adverse economic conditions in general or specifically affecting O2Micro’s markets, technical difficulties and delays in the developments process, and errors in the products. You are also referred to the Form F-1 in connection with the company’s initial public offering in August 2000, Form F-3 in connection with the company’s public offering in November 2001, and the annual reports on Form 20-F, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.