IQE sues Tower Semiconductor

IQE says it has significant evidence that Tower allegedly misappropriated IQE’s trade secrets to unlawfully obtain patents on IQE’s technology.

The claims relate to IQE’s proprietary porous silicon technology which would underpin devices used in 5G and advanced sensing applications.

IQE filed its complaint in the U.S. Federal Court in California under Federal and California state law in relation to the misappropriation of trade secrets, correction of inventorship, breach of contract, unfair competition, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage.

Tom Dale, General Counsel & Company Secretary at IQE, commented: “We brought about these claims as we have significant reason to believe that Tower has misappropriated IQE’s proprietary trade secrets for its own benefit. Our technology, processes and intellectual property are vital in underpinning IQE’s products and solutions and in maintaining our market-leading position in advanced semiconductor materials. We will vigorously protect them and will provide further updates as material developments occur.”