Epitaxial deposition and process equipment maker Veeco Instruments Inc of Plainview, NY, USA says that the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York has granted its motion for a preliminary injunction against SGL Carbon LLC, a supplier of wafer carriers to Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc (AMEC). The injunction prohibits the sale of wafer carriers by SGL for use in susceptorless metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) systems using Veeco’s patented technology, including wafer carriers designed for AMEC MOCVD systems.
“This ruling affirms the strength of Veeco’s intellectual property and its worldwide patent portfolio,” says chairman & CEO John R. Peeler. “Veeco takes enforcement of its IP seriously, and will not hesitate to protect its significant investment in research & development, including its patents in the US, Europe and Asia - particularly in China.”
The ruling takes effect immediately and prohibits SGL from shipping wafer carriers using Veeco’s patented technology without Veeco’s express authorization. This prohibits SGL from supplying wafer carriers for use in all AMEC MOCVD systems.
The court also ruled that Veeco showed a “clear likelihood of success” on its claim that its patent on wafer carriers for use in susceptorless MOCVD reactors is infringed by SGL and that the patent is valid, despite SGL’s arguments to the contrary. SGL had argued that its wafer carriers were based on AMEC’s specifications. The ruling shows that AMEC does not respect its intellectual property rights, asserts Veeco.
Preliminary injunctions are rare in patent cases, because the legal requirements to issue such an injunction prohibiting sales prior to a jury verdict on patent infringement are very stringent, says Veeco, adding that the ruling shows the nature of SGL’s and AMEC’s violation of its IP.
The action for patent infringement was commenced by Veeco against SGL Carbon LLC and SGL Carbon SE on 12 April. In addition to the preliminary injunction, Veeco is seeking a post-trial permanent injunction, monetary damages and other relief.
