Pharma biz fingers tech firm over patents

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY BTG is trying to stop certain computer products from reaching American shores because they infringe on some of its patents.

Yep it confused us too at first, but look closely and you'll see that the firm has a long research history and a wide range of patents in its filing cabinets.

According to an analyst's research note (Keith Redpath at FinnCap, analyst fans) BTG filed the complaint in June to the US International Trade Commission. It claims that Samsung has infringed its patents for NAND Flash memory chips.

The chips are in loads of common devices, like the Iphone and Blackberry, so the case has some far-reaching implications. Including the possibility of making a lot of American Ikids cry at Ichristmas.

Andy Burroughs, communications chap at BTG, told the Inquirer that the firm believed it had a very strong case against Samsung because two years ago it licensed the same technology to two other [unnamed] firms for a whopping $46 million.

"We believe that our technology is being used in a number of devices", said Burroughs. "The fact that two other parties have taken a license is supportive evidence. We have a very strong case to show our IP."

If the complaint is successful, Samsung is likely to have to shell out a rather significant chunk of cash to BTG. The fact that the case is currently only being examined in the US at this time makes us wonder whether us UK dwellers should stock up on gadgetry now. µ