THE UPPER DECK COMPANY WAGES BATTLE TO ENSURE AUTHENTICITY OF PRODUCTS

Upper Deck Creates Fraud Investigative Team To Stamp Out Counterfeiting

CARLSBAD, CA (December 9, 2003) - The Upper Deck Company, LLC, a premier sports and entertainment publishing company, today announced that it has created the Fraud Investigative Team (FIT) which will be primarily responsible for detecting and pursuing counterfeit sports and entertainment products. The announcement of FIT demonstrates that Upper Deck is placing a heavy emphasis on continuing to combat counterfeiters that look to profit off of the company's exclusive business contracts. In addition, Upper Deck recently filed a lawsuit against approximately 50 individuals and entities in several states for advertising and distributing counterfeit Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards.

"The athletes we partner with have asked us to step in and help them protect their rights," said Reid Middleton, senior corporate counsel for Upper Deck. "We will continue to seek out and bring legal action against those retailers and dealers that are looking to profit, and infringe on our exclusive legal right to market the athletes that represent our products."

Domestically and abroad, today's actions represent Upper Deck's ongoing aggressive and unyielding efforts against companies and individuals that advertise, manufacture, or sell counterfeit products. In addition, Upper Deck will continue to pursue legal action against companies and individuals who are trading in counterfeit product. Upper Deck will also take any additional actions that are necessary, including pursuing legal action across many countries, to ensure that counterfeit products are removed from all markets and the offending parties are sanctioned accordingly.

The FIT Team will actively monitor all distribution channels, including online auctions, to identify and pursue counterfeiters that mislead the public and sell product in violation of Upper Deck's exclusive rights. The FIT Team will also work to educate consumers through the use of a dedicated website (www.upperdeck.com/fraudprevention.aspx), and has set up a toll free number for consumers to report possible illegal activity.

To report possible counterfeit product, please contact the FIT department at the toll free number 1-866-389-5703 or send an e-mail to FIT@upperdeck.com.