Patent infringement: Ban puzzles systems makers

BANGALORE, INDIA: With the ban on import of chips from six companies that were found to have infringed on two packaging patents of Tessera Technologies Inc being implemented, systems makers are now facing the problem of limited exclusion.

Systems makers are of the opinion that they will not be able to get the Freescale MCF5282 after July 17 for at least a year due to patent infringement.

Meanwhile, Freescale has said that the shipments in question relate to the US International Trade Commission's order banning imports of certain products found to infringe two patents of Tessera.

Adding that Freescale has not infringed Tessera's patents as alleged, the company further said that it is working with customers to receive delivery of any products impacted by the decision in compliance with the International Trade Commission's order.

It may recalled that the ITC, on May 20, has said that affected companies can post a bond allowing them to import infringing devices during that period.

An EE Times report quoting a Tessera official said tat the affected companies include ATI Technologies, Freescale Semiconductor, Motorola Inc., Spansion LLC and STMicroelectronics NV and Qualcomm Inc. Freescale and Qualcomm have posted the bond to allow imports.

As per the ITC's decision, the six companies infringe Tessera's '326 and '419 patents. The companies can continue to import the chips if they negotiate a licence from Tessera. It had said.