ITC confirms MPS patent victory against O2 Micro

SAN JOSE, USA: Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) (Nasdaq: MPWR), a leading fabless manufacturer of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced the US International Trade Commission issued a final determination finding no violation of Section 337 by MPS or its customers in an action brought by O2 Micro International Ltd. in 2008.

An ITC administrative law judge had previously issued an initial determination in April that also found no violation. The ITC's final determination concludes that none of MPS' accused products infringe O2 Micro's US Patent No. 7,417,382 (the '382 patent).

In a related district court action, which is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, O2 Micro has filed a motion to dismiss its claims for infringement of the '382 patent, with prejudice, and has covenanted not to sue MPS or any MPS distributors or customers for infringement of the '382 patent based on any past and current MPS products. MPS expects to seek attorney fees against O2 Micro once the judgment is entered dismissing the action.

MPS is represented in this case by Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP. MPS trial counsel includes Smith Brittingham, Dean Dunlavey, Lionel Lavenue, Mark Flagel, Darren Jirron, Scott Mosko and Franklin Kang.