PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PASADENA, CALIF 91109 TELEPHONE (818) 354-5011
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov

Contact: John G. Watson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 29, 1997

JPL TO HOST OCTOBER 17 WORKSHOP ON LICENSING OF SPACE-THEMED TOYS

      "Playing Among the Planets!" is the theme of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Third Annual Commercialization and Licensing Workshop on Space-Themed Toys, Games and Multimedia, taking place at JPL's von Karman Auditorium on Friday, October 17, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

      A registration fee of $25 includes the program, refreshments and a boxed lunch. Registration forms are available on the Web at http://lightbulb.jpl.nasa.gov/oct17.html. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited.

      JPL's Commercial Technology Program Office recently worked with Mattel Toys, Inc., to produce a tiny toy replica of the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft and Sojourner rover. Sales of the toy have proven enormously successful, helping to bring the excitement of the recent mission into the homes of tens of thousands of people of all ages.

      The success of the JPL/Mattel partnership has sparked great private sector interest in working with JPL to produce and license new space-related toys, games and multimedia projects. This workshop features a history of JPL and commercialization and the latest results from JPL's current spacecraft missions, along with presentations by several JPL partners on how they have successfully produced and marketed space-themed products.

      JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is the only NASA field center managed by a university. Caltech's extensive experience commercializing JPL- developed intellectual property has helped pave the way for further successful partnerships with industry.

      Further information about the workshop is available at (818) 354-7431, and details about JPL's Technology Affiliates Program can be found on the Web at http://lightbulb.jpl.nasa.gov/

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