Knowles’ MEMS microphones infringe Analog Devices’ patent

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices Inc. announced that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled decisively in favor of Analog Devices in its lawsuit against Knowles Electronics.

Administrative Law Judge Robert K. Rogers, Jr. concluded that Knowles infringes valid claims from one of ADI’s Wafer Anti-Stiction Application (WASA) patents.

Specifically, he ruled that Knowles infringes claims 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 from ADI’s US Pat. No. 7,364,942. As a result, ADI expects the ITC to issue an exclusion order prohibiting Knowles and its U.S. Distributor from importing or selling all infringing microphones in the United States. Additionally, ADI expects to recover damages on all past sales of Knowles’ microphones through its pending lawsuit against Knowles in Delaware.

“Analog Devices began investing in MEMS in 1989 and has developed an extensive and innovative MEMS IP portfolio,” commented Mark Martin, vice president, MEMS/Sensor Technology Group, Analog Devices. “We have leveraged this investment to create the highest performance MEMS microphones available. We are very pleased that Judge Rogers ruled in our favor confirming the strength of our MEMS IP portfolio.”

This recent ruling follows ITC Judge Rogers’ ruling on November 22nd when he found Knowles Electronics’ MEMS microphone packaging patents were invalid, a ruling consistent with the position taken by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where all of Knowles’ asserted claims were rejected in separate reexaminations.