Kodak Inks Camera Brand Licensing Deal with JK Imaging; Micro Four Thirds...

Kodak Inks Camera Brand Licensing Deal with JK Imaging; Micro Four Thirds Kodak S1 Announced

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Rochester, NY—Eastman Kodak and JK Imaging, Ltd., entered into a multiyear agreement whereby JK Imaging will license the Kodak brand name for certain consumer products, including digital cameras, pocket video cameras and portable projectors. It was also announced that JK Imaging is planning to launch the Kodak S1 Micro Four Thirds compact system camera in Q3 2013.

“Kodak remains a strong and trustworthy brand in the consumer space and this agreement reinforces how valuable our brand is,” said Laura Quatela, president of Kodak and Personalized Imaging. “When we announced our plan to exit the digital camera business last year, we said we would explore licensing opportunities for the brand in this category. The JK Imaging team has global experience and expertise in the industry.”

JK Imaging’s CEO, Joe Atick, is chairman of JA Capital Holdings, a global supplier specializing in consumer imaging and electronics products. Atick said, “Our decision to license the globally recognized Kodak brand from Eastman Kodak Company was a natural fit. With more than a century of imaging firsts, there is great significance and value in the Kodak name. We intend to continue this legacy and bring to market the next generation of ‘must have’ portable, personal electronics that enhance the lives of consumers worldwide.”

The Kodak S1, a new Micro Four Thirds CSC was referred to at a press conference in China. The camera will be manufactured by JK Imaging but carry Kodak branding. The S1 should be compatible with all Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses on the market, though it is rumored that JK Imaging will produce a lens of its own.

JK Imaging, Ltd., is a privately held company headquartered in Gardena, California, with 12 sales offices worldwide. The executive team is comprised of experienced sales and marketing officers with backgrounds in digital imaging and global distribution. The company services North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. kodakcamera.jkiltd.com

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