Chinese memory makers facing legal trouble

Posted on Monday, December 11 2017 @ 10:46 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
DigiTimes reports legal issues are brewing for China's emerging memory sector as global DRAM players are starting to demonstrate strong determination to protect their intellectual property. The site notes US-based Micron Technology recently filed a patent infringement case against Taiwan-based United Microelectronics (UMC) and its affiliated China memory maker Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit (JHICC):
The sources said Micron has filed a lawsuit with a federal court in the North California District accusing UMC and JHICC of copying its DRAM trade secrets, marking the first time for Micron to extend its legal battle across the Taiwan Straits in safeguarding its DRAM IPs. In the past, such legal cases would usually target Taiwan semiconductor players.

In this latest case, two former Micron employees allegedly copied the firm's DRAM technology to USB drives and handed them to their new Taiwan employer UMC, which has planned to share it with China's JHICC. But UMC has categorically denied any allegations regarding infringement of third-party IP.
Additionally, DigiTimes also writes that Nanya Technology is suing two former workers, alleging they stole trade secrets before taking up a position at a Chinese DRAM company. More scrutiny from the leading DRAM players is expected once China's DRAM firms start shipping their own chips.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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