For Immediate Release

Rebecca Eaddy
Marketing Communications Manager
Roland Corporation U.S.
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Eaddy@RolandUS.com

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION OBTAINED AGAINST BELGIAN INTERNET SELLER

Anaheim, Calif., Jan. 16, 2003 – Roland Corporation U.S. has obtained a preliminary injunction in the United States District Court against A Pip’s Music N.V., a Belgian company, and A Pip’s Music’s principal, Patrick Piens, alleging claims for copyright and trademark infringement. In doing so, Roland U.S. once again confirmed its commitment to dealer and customer satisfaction and protection by helping to severely restrict gray market sales of Roland products within the United States.

In the lawsuit, Roland U.S. alleged that the Belgian dealer was violating Roland’s registered trademarks and copyrights by operating four Internet websites that sold and illegally imported Roland merchandise into the U.S. market. Roland further alleged that these actions potentially undermined Roland U.S.’s retail sales in the United States.

In addition to the above allegations, Roland U.S. also demonstrated that A Pip’s Music and Mr. Piens have been selling and importing Roland products containing Roland’s copyrighted sound recordings which actions directly violate Roland U.S.’s exclusive rights of importation and distribution. The Court has enjoined A Pip’s Music and Mr. Piens from selling into the United States any products containing Roland’s copyrighted sound recordings.

Roland U.S. President, Dennis Houlihan said, “It is very important for us to maintain and protect the integrity of our authorized Roland dealers in the United States. Our U.S. dealers are the backbone of this organization and we will do our utmost to stop interference from foreign Internet sellers in the U.S. The Court’s recent ruling in our favor is a clear indication of respect and appreciation for the hard work and investment of music retailers in the United States."

“Protection of our United States dealers and their customers is paramount and it always has been,” continued Mr. Houlihan. “Furthermore, we also do not want U.S. consumers to be misled into believing they are entitled to customer service or warranty protection on Roland merchandise purchased outside the United States. It would be most unfortunate for a customer to purchase a product that we cannot support, and this injunction will help ensure that it won’t happen.”

Roland is represented by Lawrence Y. Iser of Greenberg Glusker in Los Angeles. For more information, please contact Mr. Iser at 310-201-7411.

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories.

For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 – for media use only), www.RolandUS.com.