Sofics® wins industry significant award at the European Patent Office
DTSCR patent prevails over prior art in EPO opposition
GISTEL/BELGIUM (October 07, 2014) – Sofics, a leading developer of on-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) solutions today announced that it opens a window for semiconductor companies to settle unlicensed use of Diode Triggered Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (DTSCRs) under amicable conditions.
“DTSCRs provide very effective and efficient ESD protection, and therefore are widely used in the industry, mostly from 130nm down to today’s most advanced deep-nano-CMOS technology,” said Koen Verhaege, Sofics CEO. “DTSCRs may have been introduced in integrated circuit design flows by unlicensed companies mistakenly assuming a free license based on a publication of Sheng-Lyang Jang et al. in Solid-State Electronics 44 (2000) 1297-1303. However, the European Patent Office (EPO) Board of Opposition in case PC-EP-21051918 confirmed that Sofics’ DTSCR patent prevails with novelty and inventive step over this prior art.”
“DTSCRs provide very effective and efficient ESD protection, and therefore are widely used in the industry, mostly from 130nm down to today’s most advanced deep-nano-CMOS technology”
Koen Verhaege, CEO of Sofics
Unlicensed companies may contact Sofics to start a non-incriminating procedure to discuss and review amicable conditions to settle unlicensed DTSCR use, beginning with a custom non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that can be downloaded from Sofics’ web-site. This offer and opportunity will be available for a limited time only.
“the European Patent Office (EPO) Board of Opposition in case PC-EP-21051918 confirmed that Sofics’ DTSCR patent prevails with novelty and inventive step over a publication of Sheng-Lyang Jang et al. in 2000.”
Koen Verhaege, CEO of Sofics
“We will sign the NDA without question. Moreover, let it be clear that we are not accusing anyone of anything. Rather we want to offer DTSCR users to review their designs in light of our patent rights and, if applicable, to choose an amicable way to come clean quickly and smoothly”, said Verhaege. “Even though the winning EPO decision reconfirms that our portfolio is rock solid, we prefer to find win-win business approaches that build future business for both parties. It fits our style and DNA to seek collaboration and to bring added value to all our licensees”.
Sofics’ ESD solution portfolio -which includes the DTSCRs- is licensed in more than 3000 commercial product ICs to more than 50 companies worldwide.
About Sofics
Sofics focuses on development, licensing and design services for on-chip device- and system-level ESD protection and reliability. Sofics is an independent practicing IP provider. More information about Sofics is available on www.sofics.com or via Twitter @Sofics_team.
Sofics® and the Sofics logo are registered trademarks of Sofics BV.
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