Purdue University sues semiconductor firm over EV patents

Indiana’s Purdue University has filed a lawsuit against Wolfspeed claiming that several of their semiconductor products infringe on two of their patents.

The dispute arises over patents related to metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) used in electric vehicle charging stations, energy storage systems and battery management systems.

MOSFETs are generally used in electronics to control the voltage and current flow of electricity.

Wolfspeed—formerly known as Cree inc until a corporate name change in June—makes and sells 42 silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, which the University claims infringes on the University’s patents 7,498,633 and 8,035,112.

Specifically. the complaint lists 42 SiC MOSFETs sold by Wolfspeed which allegedly infringe the two patents.

Purdue sent a letter notifying Wolfspeed of the alleged infringement in April 2020. According to the complaint, Wolfspeed has continued to create, market and sell the infringing technology since being notified.

Purdue University has demanded a jury trial in the complaint filed with the US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. It is also seeking an award for past and future damages for the infringement at a “reasonable royalty rate”.

Purdue University filed a similar patent infringement suit against semiconductor manufacture STMicroelectronics in July.

The lawsuit, filed in the West Texas District Court, targets MOSFETs used in solar HVAC systems, car charging stations and other renewable energy products.

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