Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. Prevails for The Fourth Time In Patent Infringement Suit Filed Against The Company by Lam Research In Taiwan

SHANGHAI, SAN FRANCISCO and TAIPEI, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC) announced that it has prevailed again in litigation against AMEC subsidiaries by Lam Research Corporation (LAM) in Taiwan.

In a decision rendered on Dec. 29, 2011, the Intellectual Property Court of Taiwan (IP Court) affirmed an earlier LAM defeat in the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). In its ruling, the IP Court upheld TIPO's position that LAM's TW Patent 126873 (focus ring patent) is invalid because the claims lack novelty and non-obviousness. Thus they could not form the basis of an infringement claim against AMEC.

The decision marks AMEC's fourth major win over LAM in patent infringement disputes fought in Taiwan's chief intellectual property forums. The victories lend further substance to AMEC's pledge to honor intellectual property rights worldwide.

"Once again, AMEC has been vindicated in actions brought by LAM involving key areas of our Primo D-RIE® technology," said chief executive officer, Gerald Z. Yin. "Despite the litigation, our business is growing steadily. Customers continue to value our etch products for their unique design, notably the dual-station chamber with single-station independent control. These differentiators provide important technology advantages and significant cost savings. Our priority is to help them meet their aggressive technology goals by delivering the best etch solutions."

About Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC)

AMEC provides advanced micro-fabrication equipment to global semiconductor manufacturers and leading companies in adjacent high-tech sectors. Customers use our etch technology to build the complex devices that power today's electronics and other products. Our advanced systems deliver the optimum combination of technology innovations and productivity for the 65/45/32/28/22nm process nodes and beyond. We're Asia-based with headquarters in China. We also maintain R&D, manufacturing, business and support operations in Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. To learn more, please visit www.amec-inc.com.

Primo D-RIE is a registered trademark of AMEC.