Research In Motion Receives Wireless Patent On BlackBerry Single Mailbox Integration

Waterloo, ON - May 17, 2001 - Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSE: RIM), a pioneer and world leader in the mobile communications market, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 6,219,694 to RIM. The BlackBerry Single Mailbox Integration patent covers a system and method invented by RIM that was commercialized as an important architectural element of RIM's award-winning BlackBerry™ wireless email solution.

"The ability to stay connected to your existing email account has been the lynchpin of BlackBerry's success," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "Issuance of this patent for BlackBerry Single Mailbox Integration is an important milestone and represents the first in a series of patents covering various aspects of technologies utilized in the end-to-end BlackBerry solution."

"This patent is important for RIM stakeholders because it recognizes and protects the fundamental intellectual property that RIM has invested substantial resources to invent and develop over many years," said Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry Single Mailbox Integration patent relates to the system and method pioneered and employed by RIM in redirecting information between a host computer system (such as an office PC or server) and a mobile communications device (such as a wireless handheld) while maintaining a common electronic address between the host system and mobile device. Using this patented technology, BlackBerry integrates seamlessly with a user's existing email account providing a wireless extension of the user's regular email mailbox. The user can read, compose, forward or reply to messages from their mobile device while maintaining their single, existing email address and mailbox. The user can also control which messages are received on their mobile device by setting email filters that monitor key words and message fields.

BlackBerry is an end-to-end wireless email solution featuring the industry's most advanced wireless handhelds, desktop utilities, enterprise server software, security and tight integration with wireless packet-data networks. Since its introduction in January 1999, BlackBerry has quickly become the corporate standard for wireless email in North America and RIM also plans to introduce BlackBerry in Europe this year. Based on an integrated and optimized architecture with breakthroughs in functionality, security and value, BlackBerry has changed the way people interact with information and each other. BlackBerry has already been adopted by thousands of organizations and received rave reviews from customers and industry experts alike.

About Research In Motion

Research In Motion® Limited is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the mobile communications market. Through development and integration of hardware, software and services, RIM® provides solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers around the world to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products includes the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, the BlackBerry™ wireless email solution, embedded radio-modems and software development tools. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario RIM operates offices in Canada, the United States and England. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.net. Investors may contact investor_relations@rim.net. Customers may contact info@rim.net.

Research In Motion, RIM and BlackBerry are trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. Research In Motion and RIM are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks relating to possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, risks related to the year 2000 issue, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities.