Master Lock V Winner International Settlement

    MILWAUKEE, Jan. 26 Master Lock Company today announced
that it has reached an agreement with Winner International under which Master
Lock will continue to sell its patented four-prong steering wheel locks.  The
agreement settles and dismisses a suit alleging trade dress violations related
to Master Lock's automotive steering wheel locks.
    Under the agreement, Master Lock will continue selling its patented
four-prong steering wheel locks, and will phase out over a period of two
months one steering wheel lock model, the red and black model 249DAT.  Master
Lock conceded no violations and reserves the right to sell its steering wheel
locks in any other color or finish.
    "This agreement protects Master Lock's industry-leading innovations in
steering wheel lock performance and design which provides us a significant
strategic advantage in the market," said John Heppner, President of Master
Lock.  "The design and performance of our automotive security locks is second
to none.  As for appearance, our Black-on-Silver and Black-on-Black models
have been our most successful colors, based on consumer purchases.  We will
continue to focus on developing innovative automotive security solutions that
offer consumers the best security performance and style."
    In addition to its legendary padlock business, Master Lock offers an
entire range of automotive security products, including steering wheel locks,
combination airbag/steering wheel locks, and trailer hitch locks.
Master Lock Company, based in Milwaukee, is the world's largest manufacturer
of padlocks and related security products.  For more information, visit
http://www.masterlock.com