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Wed, May 11, 2011 Knowles MEMS Microphones Barred From Importation Into United States by International Trade Commission Ruling
NORWOOD, Mass.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications, announced today that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in its favor and found that Knowles Electronics infringed ADIa™s Wafer Anti-Stiction Application (WASA) patent, U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,942. The ITC also issued an exclusion order prohibiting further importation into the United States of Knowlesa™ infringing aMEMS [microphone] devices and products containing the samea, effective July 11, 2011. The ITCa™s decision confirms an initial ruling on December 23, 2010 by Administrative Law Judge Robert K. Rogers, Jr., finding that Knowles infringed ADI's patent.
"In our pending lawsuit against Knowles in Delaware, we expect to recover significant financial damages for Knowlesa™ past sales of infringing MEMS microphones. In addition, we will do what we can to insure that Knowles does not import infringing products into the United States, either directly or indirectly."
"We are very pleased that the ITC ruled in our favor," commented Mark Martin, vice president, MEMS/Sensor Technology Group, Analog Devices. "As one of the earliest innovators of MEMS technology, we have developed an influential patent portfolio in this space and we continue to innovate at the leading edge of this technology. We are shipping performance-leading MEMS microphones in volume and we are available to all companies who have concerns as a result of this ITC decision.a
aWhile we are gratified that the ITC has granted our request and issued an exclusion order barring importation of Knowles microphones into the United States, our dispute with Knowles is not over,a said Margaret Seif, vice president and general counsel, Analog Devices. aIn our pending lawsuit against Knowles in Delaware, we expect to recover significant financial damages for Knowlesa™ past sales of infringing MEMS microphones. In addition, we will do what we can to insure that Knowles does not import infringing products into the United States, either directly or indirectly.a
The ruling is ADIa™s second victory against Knowles this year. In January, the ITC confirmed an earlier ruling by ALJ Rogers, which found that two of Knowlesa™ patents were invalid, and that ADI was not restricted from selling its own MEMS microphones.
iMEMS® Microphones: Designed for High Quality Sound
Design engineers worldwide have become familiar with the vast capabilities of ADI's innovative iMEMS® technology. That's why the real promise of the technology is being realized daily in hundreds of cutting-edge applications, beginning with motion sensors and now with MEMS microphones. Combining nearly 20 years of MEMS know-how with ADI's audio signal processing expertise, iMEMS microphones provide unprecedented performance and reliability. iMEMS microphones and their many performance advantages will differentiate and radically change acoustic input designs in future electronics devices. By integrating a MEMS transducer with an audio ASIC, iMEMS microphones optimize system designs with more control over the full solution and value chain. For more information, visit [ www.analog.com/mic ].
About Analog Devices
Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index. [ www.analog.com ].
iMEMS is a registered trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.
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