AMEC prevails for fourth time in patent infringement suit against Lam Research In Taiwan

SHANGHAI, CHINA, SAN FRANCISCO, USA & TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC) announced that it has prevailed again in litigation against AMEC subsidiaries by Lam Research Corp. (LAM) in Taiwan.

In a decision rendered on Dec. 29, 2011, the Intellectual Property Court of Taiwan (IP Court) affirmed an earlier LAM defeat in the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). In its ruling, the IP Court upheld TIPO's position that LAM's TW Patent 126873 (focus ring patent) is invalid because the claims lack novelty and non-obviousness. Thus they could not form the basis of an infringement claim against AMEC.

The decision marks AMEC's fourth major win over LAM in patent infringement disputes fought in Taiwan's chief intellectual property forums. The victories lend further substance to AMEC's pledge to honor intellectual property rights worldwide.

"Once again, AMEC has been vindicated in actions brought by LAM involving key areas of our Primo D-RIE technology," said CEO, Gerald Z. Yin. "Despite the litigation, our business is growing steadily. Customers continue to value our etch products for their unique design, notably the dual-station chamber with single-station independent control. These differentiators provide important technology advantages and significant cost savings. Our priority is to help them meet their aggressive technology goals by delivering the best etch solutions."