The new SGS Thomson Semiconductors has moved to pursue four of the Japanese majors, alleging infringements of patents held by its 1985 acquisition, Mostek Corp, Carrollton, Texas. Mitsubishi Electric is in the clear because it has signed patent exchange agreements with the French company, but suits are being brought against Toshiba Corp, NEC Corp and Hitachi Ltd, demanding royalty payments on their memory chips. A similar suit by Texas Instruments against seven Japanese and Korean manufacturers won the US firm substantial royalty payments.
SGS THOMSON SUES JAPANESE CHIPMAKERS OVER PATENTS
