Forward Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:FORD), a leading global provider of
mobile technology solutions, today announced that it has entered into a
global exclusive partnership with DriPadz, LLC, a designer of
patent-pending waterproof protective solutions for consumer electronics
devices, including the iPad.
The partnership provides Forward with a global exclusive license to sell
Forward-branded products under the LifeJacket™ brand name, that
incorporates DriPadz' cutting edge technology, to consumer electronics
retailers, original equipment manufacturers, and business-to-business
channels.
Brett M. Johnson, Forward's President and Chief Executive Officer,
commented: "Our strategy is to aggregate a diversified portfolio of
intellectual property partnerships focused on the consumer electronics
accessory market and defined by leading technology. Our partnership with
DriPadz is further proof of our execution of such strategy and follows
on the heels of our recently announced partnerships with G-Form, Annex
Products, and ClearPlex."
DriPadz' extreme environment, waterproof, iPad cases are designed to
provide a completely airtight, germ free environment, that protects an
iPad from all the elements, including a few man-made ones such as a
spilled soda or bowl of cereal. Its IPX-7 and military (MIL-STD-810G)
certified design utilizes stainless steel hinge pins, aluminum mounting
brackets, and all non-corrosive materials, setting a new precedent in
iPad protection.
Mr. Johnson continued, "As tablet PCs penetrate the education, medical,
industrial and commercial markets, users of these devices are seeking a
waterproof protective solution that can withstand the harshest
conditions. We believe the LifeJacket™ waterproof case addresses this
market opportunity and are encouraged by the response that we are
receiving from our current and prospective customer base."
James Klement, DriPadz Founder and President, commented: "Our
partnership with Forward is opening a realm of possibilities for the
worldwide success of our products into a proven distribution channel. We
considered several partners to trust with our distribution and to help
us leverage our intellectual property and we are confident that Forward
is the perfect choice."
The LifeJacket™, by Forward, is currently designed to protect both the
iPad and iPad2 and is expected to begin shipping to customers this
March.