{"id":27449,"date":"2017-04-25T06:20:50","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T06:20:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/?p=27449"},"modified":"2017-04-25T06:20:50","modified_gmt":"2017-04-25T06:20:50","slug":"nikon-files-patent-case-against-asml-carl-zeiss-over-lithography-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biphoo.com\/bipnews\/technology\/nikon-files-patent-case-against-asml-carl-zeiss-over-lithography-tech.html","title":{"rendered":"Nikon files patent case against ASML, Carl Zeiss over lithography tech"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tNikon files patent case against ASML, Carl Zeiss over lithography tech<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>
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\n\tJapan's Nikon Corp on Monday said it has initiated legal action against ASML Holding NV and Carl Zeiss AG [CZTOP.UL], saying the Dutch and Germany companies used its lithography technology without its permission.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tNikon, the world's eighth-largest chip equipment maker, said it had filed patent infringement cases in the Netherlands, Germany and Japan against ASML, which makes semiconductor lithography machines, and Carl Zeiss, ASML's optical supplier.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\t"ASML and Zeiss employ Nikon's patented technology in ASML's lithography systems, which are used globally to manufacture semiconductors, without Nikon's permission, thereby infringing Nikon's patents," Nikon said in a statement.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tNikon said it is seeking damages and to prevent ASML and Zeiss from selling the technology.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tASML dominates the market for semiconductor lithography machines, which map out electronic circuits on silicon wafers. The Netherlands-based firm has a 90 percent market share in such high-end machines, according to a January research report from Fitch Ratings.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\t"Nikon's litigation is unfounded, unnecessary and creates uncertainty for the semiconductor industry," said ASML President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Wennink. ASML has repeatedly attempted to negotiate an extension of a cross-license agreement with Nikon, he said.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tThe legal action comes after mediation carried out by a retired judge in the United States failed to reach a settlement late last year, Nikon said.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tCarl Zeiss was not immediately available to comment.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tThe dispute is the latest involving the three, with ASML and Carl Zeiss paying Nikon $87 million and $58 million respectively in 2004, according to Nikon.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\tsource:-http:\/\/www.reuters.com\/article\/us-nikon-asml-idUSKBN17Q0NM<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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