Mentor Graphics files patent infringement suit against EVE in Tokyo District Court

WILSONVILLE, USA: Mentor Graphics Corp. will continue its claims of patent infringement against EVE emulation products in Japan before the Tokyo District Court in accordance with the ruling from the Japanese Customs Office.

"The Japanese Customs office found that there was insufficient, publically available evidence to rule for us in our request for an import ban on EVE's emulation products," said Tom Evans, corporate intellectual property counsel for Mentor Graphics.

"A majority of the appointed experts did not challenge the broad scope of our patent, and further suggested that this case be examined at a civil trial. For example, one expert noted, '[in] general, cases such as this case -- where the establishment of the evidence... of the undisclosed techniques on the part of the suspect accused of the infringement is required -- should be tried using the procedures for the action for infringement... in accordance with the Patent Act or Code of Civil Procedure.'"