austriamicrosystems Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Melexis

austriamicrosystems announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit regarding magnetic encoder products against Melexis N.V. / SA (Belgium) and its German subsidiary Melexis GmbH, at the District Court (Landgericht) in Duesseldorf, Germany.

In its complaint austriamicrosystems AG asserts that the sale and distribution of products from Melexis’ product family of magnetic encoders in Germany infringes European Patent EP 0 916 074 B1. The complaint seeks unspecified damages and a court ordered injunction against future infringement by Melexis.

"Our leadership in magnetic encoders means more and more companies choose austriamicrosystems when it comes to high resolution position measurement," commented Bernd Gessner, Senior VP and General Manager of the Business Unit Automotive at austriamicrosystems. "Having spent a great amount of time and effort to develop our intellectual property (IP) in this area, we are now forced to take the steps necessary to protect our proprietary and inventive ideas."

According to Melexis, its Triaxis® products result from wholly owned proprietary technology. Melexis states that it is a major player in the field of Hall sensors.

Melexis issued the following statement for further clarification of its position:

"Melexis has been approached about 9 months ago by AMS (austriamicrosystems). Until recently, AMS was not very active in Hall sensors and apparently eager to enter this market. AMS told us they were seeking compensation for IP related to a patent on magnetic angle sensing they acquired. As there is prior art on the domain, the Melexis technology was developed in house, the Melexis sensor is different in its functioning and protected by our own patents, Melexis saw no reason to entertain discussions on licensing with AMS. Melexis stayed firm on its position and stated to be prepared to defend it in court if needed. As such the court filing did not come as a surprise. That AMS felt there was a need to do a press release about this, is interesting however."