Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS) announced it received a patent assertion letter from Magma Design Automation, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAVA) citing three patents, two of which (U.S. Patent No. 6,453,446 and No. 6,725,438) name Dr. Lukas van Ginneken, a Magma founder and former Synopsys employee, as the sole inventor. After a thorough review, Synopsys has determined it is not infringing the cited patents, and further determined Synopsys rightfully owns the two van Ginneken patents. Accordingly, Synopsys today filed suit in Federal court against Magma under the van Ginneken patents to enforce its rights as the owner of the inventions and to bar Magma from practicing Synopsys' technologies.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS) is the world leader in electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductor design. The company delivers technology-leading semiconductor design and verification platforms and IC manufacturing software products to the global electronics market, enabling the development and production of complex systems-on-chips (SoCs). Synopsys also provides intellectual property and design services to simplify the design process and accelerate time-to-market for its customers. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has more than 60 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com/ .

NOTE: Synopsys, and the Synopsys logo are registered trademarks of Synopsys, Inc.

SOURCE: Synopsys Inc.

CONTACT: Rex S. Jackson of Synopsys, Inc., +1-650-584-4090

Web site: http://www.synopsys.com/