WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Trade Commission (“ITC”) issued its Final Determination on Friday, June 12, 2009, holding that MEMS Technology Berhad, known as “MemsTech”, has violated U. S. law section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by the unlawful importation and sale of microphone packages that infringe Knowles’ U.S. Patents 6,781,231 and 7,242,089. The ITC’s decision not only confirmed that MemsTech’s microphone packages and any products using these packages infringe Knowles’ patents, but also confirmed that Knowles’ patents are valid and enforceable. Under the exclusion order, MemsTech will not be permitted to import its infringing products into the United States.

“This is great news for Knowles Electronics and our legacy of innovation. This ruling bolsters the confidence in additional investments in our technology portfolio,” said VP and GM of Knowles, Mike Adell. “The ruling also fortifies the licenses Knowles has granted to several multi-national companies. Knowles intends to continue to deliver value to the audio market via its own semiconductor microphone offerings as well as through its licensed partners.”

"The ITC made the right decision by ruling in favor of Knowles Electronics. Given the competitive global economy, this is a fair and proper response,” said Jeff Niew, President of Knowles. “Similar to other technologically-driven industries, growth of the MEMS industry and semiconductor-based silicon microphones relies on continued investment from corporations and institutional investors. The ITC’s decision reinforces the validity of Knowles intellectual property and shows investors that firms such as MemsTech will be unable to access U.S. consumers in violation of the intellectual property rights of others.”

About Knowles

Founded over 60 years ago, Knowles is the leading designer and manufacturer of advanced acoustic components. In addition to being the market leader for components to the global hearing aid industry, Knowles is also the leading provider of MEMS surface mount microphones to major cell phone brands and consumer electronic devices the world over. For more information visit the Knowles website at www.knowles.com or call 1-630-250-5100.

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