CONTRACT RENEWAL

RNS Number:3209S
Applied Optical Technologies PLC
21 November 2003

21 November 2003

                        APPLIED OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES PLC
                            ("AOT" or "the Company")

            CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Applied Optical Technologies plc, the supplier of anti-counterfeiting
technologies and services, and premium packaging for brand enhancement and
protection, announces that it has been awarded a four-year extension to its
brand protection programme with the National Basketball Association ("NBA").

The contract, which will last until September 2007, involves the manufacture and
supply of a range of products featuring a unique NBA hologram, as well as other
anti-counterfeiting security features. The product range is manufactured at
AOT's operation in Parkton, Maryland.

Mark Turnage, Chief Executive, commented: "We are delighted to have signed this
contract extension with the NBA. The NBA is one of AOT's most valuable customers
and its continuing commitment to AOT reaffirms our leading position in the
protection of licensed merchandise in the United States."

                                    - Ends -

For further information, please contact:

Applied Optical Technologies plc                                 0191 419 3344
Mark Turnage, Chief Executive ([e-mail])
Mike Angus, Finance Director ([e-mail])

Weber Shandwick Square Mile                                      020 7067 0700
Nick Oborne


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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