Wang wins suit against Japanese firms; royalties could total $12 million a year

Article Abstract:

Wang Laboratories Inc has won a law suit against NEC Corp and Toshiba Corp for violating patents on its single-in-line-memory-modules (SIMMs). Still to be decided are the exact percentage of the royalties due Wang and the amount of the damages it will be awarded. The royalties are due on SIMMs shipped in the US between Jan 1, 1990, and Jun 30, 1991, and could amount to $3.3 to $4.8 million. The jury concluded that the patent violations were willful on the part of the two Japanese firms, so that damages could be triple the amount of the royalties. Wang has served notice to 14 other SIMMs manufactures of the outcome of the suit. Revenue from royalty agreements reached with these companies could reach $400 million per year. The new revenue will not substantially change Wang's uncertain economic picture. Wang has reported a sharp drop in sales in the last three years, large restructuring charges, a layoff of half its workforce and a loss of $385.5 million for fiscal 1991.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor industry, Cases, Toshiba Corp., Profits, NEC Corp., International competition (Economics), Wang Laboratories Inc., Licensing, Lawsuits, Marketing Strategy, Japanese Competition, Profit, Patent, Losses, WANC, Single inline memory modules, SIMMs (Computer memory)

---

More computers are taking dictation

Article Abstract:

New voice-recognition systems are slow, costly and require unnaturally slow and distinct speech, but are beginning to enjoy wider use. IBM will soon cap a 20-year research effort by rolling out its first-ever voice-activated computer, the networked Speech Server. Market researcher John Oberteuffeur, the president of Voice Information Systems, predicts the obsolescence of the keyboard by the early 2000's. With accuracy rates of 97 percent, the new systems are more accurate than many typists. Still, the systems are expensive. The least costly system, from Dragon Systems Inc, costs $5,000 and requires a 386-based microcomputer. The systems also require a great deal of time, as a user must teach it to recognize her voice.

Electronic computers, Research, Computer industry, Equipment and supplies, Column, Voice recognition, Speech recognition, New Product, User Interface, User interfaces (Computers)

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Fraud against corporate phone systems creates dispute over who should pay. Argentina cancels sale of phone unit to U.S.-led group
• Abstracts: Kodak is aiming Photo CD concept at business firms. Kodak focuses on promotion of Photo CD. Kodak reports 4th-quarter net of $326 million; but turnaround from '89 doesn't satisfy analysts, who cut '91 estimates
• Abstracts: What publishers call quoting, computer firms call piracy as industries face off on Capital Hill
• Abstracts: Antitrust suit filed to block Primestar purchase. Digital offset printers ready to roll in color

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.