Analysis
Knowles’ MEMS Microphones Infringe Analog Devices’ Patent says ITC
Analog Devices announced today that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled decisively in favour of Analog Devices in its lawsuit against Knowles Electronics. Administrative Law Judge Robert K. Rogers, Jr. concluded that Knowles infringes valid claims from one of ADI’s Wafer Anti-Stiction Application (WASA) patents. Specifically, he ruled that Knowles infringes claims 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 from ADI’s U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,942. As a result, ADI expects the ITC to issue an exclusion order prohibiting Knowles and its U.S. Distributor from importing or selling all infringing microphones in the United States. Additionally, ADI expects to recover damages on all past sales of Knowles’ microphones through its pending lawsuit against Knowles in Delaware.
“AThis recent ruling follows ITC Judge Rogers’ ruling on November 22nd when he found Knowles Electronics’ MEMS microphone packaging patents were invalid, a ruling consistent with the position taken by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where all of Knowles’ asserted claims were rejected in separate re-examinations.
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. By integrating a MEMS transducer with an audio ASIC, iMEMS microphones optimize system designs with more control over the full solution and value chain. iMEMS microphones and their many performance advantages will differentiate and radically change acoustic input designs in future electronics devices.