CHINA: In a bold move, Chinese semiconductor manufacturer Yangtze Memory Technologies Co (YMTC) has fired the latest salvo in the ongoing chip industry battle by filing a lawsuit against U.S. rival Micron Technology.
The lawsuit, lodged on November 9 at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses Micron of infringing on eight of YMTC’s patents.
YMTC alleges that Micron, a major player in the global chip market, unlawfully utilized its patented technology to stave off competition from YMTC and to secure and safeguard its market share. The lawsuit contends that Micron failed to pay fair compensation for employing YMTC’s patented inventions.
YMTC, barred last year from purchasing certain American components, contends that Micron’s actions are a violation of its intellectual property rights related to the design, manufacture, and operation of 3D NAND technology. In response to the legal action, YMTC expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved swift.
This legal clash unfolds against the backdrop of an already tense semiconductor landscape. Micron, a key player in the market, faces competition from South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as well as Japan’s Kioxia. YMTC, though smaller in scale, gained attention last year when it was barred by the U.S. from purchasing certain American components.
Micron, a major player in the production of DRAM chips and NAND flash memory chips, has not responded to the allegations at this time. The company faces tough competition from South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as well as Japan’s Kioxia, a unit of Toshiba.
The semiconductor industry has been further complicated by increased U.S. restrictions on exporting chipmaking technology to China, citing national security concerns.
This lawsuit adds a new layer to the already complex relationship between the two economic powerhouses, revealing the deep-seated competition and legal battles within the global chip market.
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