Japan grip still seen on patents; chip award offers lesson in frustration

Article Abstract:

The Japanese Patent Office awarded a patent to Texas Instruments Inc (TI) for its basic integrated circuit after 29 years, but patent and trade specialists did not see the contract as a sign that the patent system in Japan is changing. The patent agreement with TI included all chips sold in Japan between Oct 30, 1989, and Nov 27 2001. Analysts estimated the potential income from the patent will range from $200 million to $800 million a year. The average time required for patent approval in Japan is five to seven years, but usually extends to a decade or more when Japanese companies file opposition proceedings. The complexity and alleged bias toward Japanese companies in the Patent Office has been a major problem in US-Japan trade relations.

Laws, regulations and rules, International aspects, Patent licenses, Patent licensing, Japan. Patent Office

---

Texas Instruments is suing 5 chip makers over a patent

Article Abstract:

Texas Instruments Inc has filed suit against five US semiconductor chip makers, asking for royalties on a gluing process it claims is covered under a 1977 patent. The five companies being sued are Cypress Semiconductor Corp, Integrated Device Technology, LSI Logic, Analog Devices Inc and VLSI Technology Inc. The companies are accused of packaging, importing and selling chips made using the gluing technique. Analysts estimate that Texas Instruments could stand to collect $20 million a year in royalties if the court rules in its favor. The patent is slated to expire in 1994.

Production management, Semiconductor chips, Cases, Licensing, Lawsuits, Semiconductor Preparation

---

U.S. chip gets patent in Japan; Texas Instruments may gain $2 billion

Article Abstract:

Texas Instruments Inc (TI) could receive as much as $2 billion in royalty payments consequent to a ruling by the Japanese Patent Office. TI is granted a patent, as of Oct 30, 1989, for its original semiconductor. The company has sought the patent since 1960. This agreement covers integrated circuits sold by Japanese chip makers in Japan, but it does not cover chips sold before Oct 30. The patent is valid for 12 years, through 2001. TI hopes for an ongoing stream of income, which one analysts estimates could amount to $240 million a year.

United States, Japanese foreign relations, United States foreign relations, International competition (Economics), Japanese Competition

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Ford puts hybrid Explorer on '05 map. Ford tests gadgets to distraction. Go fast, turn heads for only $50,000-$200,000
• Abstracts: Video game link is seen for Nintendo; MIPS chip is expected from Silicon Graphics. U.S. Memories idea opposed by Cypress Semiconductor
• Abstracts: Sun and Unisys will not join chip venture. Big chip maker is taking $149 million charge for cuts. 3 companies said to invest in venture
• Abstracts: Second thoughts on thinking small. Do Apple's compromises make business sense? Dispatches from the bus wars

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