TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has filed a suit in the Intellectual Property Court in Taiwan against Taiwan’s Powerchip Technology Corporation and three companies, Powerflash Technology Corporation, Zentel Electronics Corporation, and C.T.C. Co., Ltd., together, for infringement of Toshiba’s Taiwan patents for NAND flash memory Nos. 154717 and I238412. Toshiba is asking the court to enjoin the manufacture and sale of infringing NAND flash memory products, including part No. A5U2GA31BTS-BC, etc., and for compensation for damages.
Powerchip Technology and three other companies offer NAND flash memories without a license to use technologies covered by Toshiba patents. Toshiba has issued notices to Powerchip Technology, all of which have been ignored, leaving no recourse other than legal action.
Toshiba invented NAND flash memory in 1987 and has subsequently directed resources to maintaining technology leadership. The company has also supported NAND flash memory market development. Toshiba will protect its investment and respond resolutely to unauthorized use of its patented technology, in order to maintain the advanced technical competence that is the source of its competitive strength.
About Toshiba
Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.
Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm