Samsung faces chip infringement claims
Texas-based ImberaTek, a subsidiary of IdeaHub, has sued Samsung for infringing six of its patents related to semiconductor technology.
The Korean tech giant is accused of using the patented technology in various smartphones, tablets and virtual reality (VR) headsets, which it has marketed and sold in the US.
Three of Samsung’s divisions stand accused: Samsung Electronics Co, Samsung Electronics America, and Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the latter two of which are based in the US.
In the complaint filed on June 24 in the District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, ImberaTek argues that the infringed patents represent “significant, groundbreaking advancements” in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices—developed by Finnish firm Imbera Electronics Oy—which have benefited progress in the field over decades.
The semiconductors in question are used in electronic modules such as printed circuit boards and package substrates.
For example, one patent-in-suit uses solid bump contact zones to improve a conductive-pattern layer; another uses substrates with vertical connectors between conductor patterns to improve routing efficiency.
ImberaTek alleges that Samsung has used the technology in many of its products including several of its Galaxy smartphone models including the Flip and Fold devices, as well as its VR headsets Alcatel Vision, Idealens K2, and Deepoon M2.
The defendant was aware of the patents since “at least” February 4, 2020, said the complaint.
ImberaTek seeks damages of “no less than a reasonable royalty, and that such amount be trebled based on defendants’ wilful, intentional, and deliberate infringement”.
In 2021, Samsung lost a case also involving semiconductor tech to Acorn Technologies, in which it was ordered to pay $25 million in damages.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox
Today’s top stories
