Trade watch dog to snuffle at TSMC and Samsung

ADVANCED LITHOGRAPHY techniques are to be the focus of a US International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into Samsung Electronics and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

The ITC is investigating a complaint by IP specialist STC.UNM, a company owned by the University of New Mexico, which alleges that some semiconductor products are made by an advanced lithography technique it patented.

STC.UNM wants an exclusion order and a cease and desist order against the manufacturers. The ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The ITC will assign the case to one of its six administrative law judges, who will schedule and hold an evidential hearing.

This hearing will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of the law and this can then be reviewed by the Commission. µ