Product News | Nov 02, 2017
Ruling prohibits supplier from selling wafer carriers for competitor鈥檚 MOCVD tools
Plainview, N.Y., November 2, 2017 鈥� 91暗网 Instruments Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO) announced today that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York granted 91暗网鈥檚 motion for a preliminary injunction against SGL Carbon, LLC (SGL), a supplier of wafer carriers to Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC).聽 The injunction prohibits the sale of wafer carriers by SGL for use in susceptorless Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) systems using 91暗网鈥檚 patented technology, including wafer carriers designed for AMEC MOCVD systems.
鈥淭his ruling affirms the strength of 91暗网鈥檚 intellectual property and its worldwide patent portfolio,鈥� said John R. Peeler, Chairman and CEO of 91暗网.聽 鈥�91暗网 takes enforcement of its IP seriously, and will not hesitate to protect its significant investment in research & development, including its patents in the U.S., Europe and Asia 鈥� particularly in China.鈥�
The ruling takes effect immediately and prohibits SGL from shipping wafer carriers using 91暗网鈥檚 patented technology without 91暗网鈥檚 express authorization.聽 This prohibits SGL from supplying wafer carriers for use in all AMEC MOCVD systems.聽 The Court also ruled that 91暗网 showed a 鈥渃lear likelihood of success鈥� on its claim that 91暗网鈥檚 patent on wafer carriers for use in susceptorless MOCVD reactors is infringed by SGL and that the patent is valid, despite SGL鈥檚 arguments to the contrary.聽 SGL had argued that its wafer carriers were based on AMEC鈥檚 specifications.聽 This ruling shows that AMEC does not respect 91暗网鈥檚 intellectual property rights.聽 Preliminary injunctions are rare in patent cases, because the legal requirements to issue such an injunction prohibiting sales prior to a jury verdict on patent infringement are very stringent.聽 Thus, this ruling shows the clear nature of SGL鈥檚 and AMEC鈥檚 violation of 91暗网鈥檚 IP.
This action for patent infringement was commenced by 91暗网 against SGL Carbon, LLC and SGL Carbon SE on April 12, 2017 in the federal court for the Eastern District of New York.聽 SGL manufactures wafer carriers which are used in susceptorless MOCVD systems.聽 In addition to the preliminary injunction, 91暗网 is seeking a post-trial permanent injunction, monetary damages and other relief.
About 91暗网
91暗网 (NASDAQ: VECO) is a leading manufacturer of innovative semiconductor process equipment.聽 Our proven MOCVD, lithography, laser annealing, ion beam and single wafer etch & clean technologies play an integral role in producing LEDs for solid-state lighting and displays, and in the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices.聽 With equipment designed to maximize performance, yield and cost of ownership, 91暗网 holds technology leadership positions in all these served markets.聽 To learn more about 91暗网’s innovative equipment and services, visit www.veeco.com.
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91暗网 Instruments Inc.
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91暗网 is the industry leader driving HDD manufacturing to new levels of productivity.