MILPITAS, Calif. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Genmark Automation, Inc. represented by the law firm of McPharlin Sprinkles & Thomas of San Jose, California, today announced that the United States District Court Northern District of California - San Francisco Division, in its patent infringement legal action against Innovative Robotics Systems, Inc., represented by the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati of Palo Alto, California, has found that all Genmark Automation patent claims at issue in that legal action are valid and infringed, and has entered a final consent judgment and permanent injunction against any further infringement by Innovative Robotics Systems, Inc. of Genmark's patents.
The patents at issue cover a range of functionality embodied in robotic automation products mostly used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment that are very important to the performance, reliability, and footprint of fab production equipment, including the YAW technology featured in automation robots to enable the efficient transport of wafers, reticles, and FPDs, between in-line process modules, FOUPS, cassettes, etc., from a fixed centralized location, eliminating the need for radial placement of process and other stations around the automation robot.
The final judgment provides that Innovative Robotics Systems, Inc. is permanently restrained and prohibited from further infringement of the patents-in-suite, and from manufacturing, importing, using, selling, and/or offering for sale all products that infringe said patents.
"We are very pleased with today's result - and very thankful for the considered attention of the court in this lengthy legal process," said Victor Sales, President of Genmark Automation. "We wish to extend our great thanks also to all those who have supported Genmark Automation over its 30-year history and helped us get to this point. Genmark Automation's founders and engineers have, over the years, created remarkable automation technology innovations and great value for our customers in particular, and the semiconductor automation equipment industry in general. This work has led to numerous patents, and recognition by customers, and competitors, that Genmark Automation solutions are far and away the most advanced and efficient ones to support the current and future industry requirements. We will continue that and other ground-breaking work - and also continue in our efforts to be fairly compensated for our patented inventions."
Additional information on this case, including a copy of the Judgment can be found at www.GenmarkAutomation.com.
About Genmark Automation, Inc. - Genmark Automation, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of tool and fab automation equipment solutions for the semiconductor, flat panel, and associated industries. Genmark's automation products, based on patented robotics technologies, include a large portfolio of vacuum and atmospheric modules such as: EFEMs, FOUP Stockers, Vacuum Cluster Systems, Sorters, Loadports, High Payload Robots and Equipment Control Software. Manufacturing its products in Fremont and Milpitas, California, and Singapore; Genmark markets, distributes, and supports its products worldwide both directly and through channel partners. Genmark's robotics products, automation systems, and engineering services are the solutions of choice for the majority of industry-leading semiconductor equipment manufacturers and fabs. Genmark is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company.
This release contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our intention to continue our innovations, filing of patents and efforts to be fairly compensated for our patented inventions. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by our management.
CONTACT:
Genmark Automation, Inc.
Kathleen Chakkaphak, 408-678-8500
CRC@GenmarkAutomation.com