Intellectual property
Ray Thompson, chairman and CEO of Semitool, remarks: "Semitool has developed and patented a seed layer enhancement technology that enables a reduction of physical vapour deposition layer thickness by as much as 75%. In conjunction with other Semitool semiconductor wafer process technology, seed layer enhancement produces higher interconnect yield and improved device performance at lower cost per wafer. We believe our seed layer enhancement technology is a competitive advantage and, therefore, we will protect our patents. To date, we have successfully finalised license agreements with Applied Materials and Ebara, and this settlement agreement with Novellus puts this litigation completely behind us."
Renesas Technology filed a motion for a preliminary injunction (a "Kari-Shobun" in Japan) against Nanya Technology in the Tokyo district court. Renesas is seeking the suspension of Nanya Japan's importation, marketing and sales of semiconductor memory products that Renesas believes infringe its semiconductor package-related patents. Nanya is a Taiwan based corporation specialising in semiconductor memory products.
Renesas Technology previously filed patent infringement lawsuits in the US North California district court on December 17, 2003. The Tokyo action began February 26, 2004.
