UK computer chip firm files lawsuit against Israeli rival for stealing trade secrets – City A.M.
By: Millie Turner
One of the UK’s largest computer chip manufacturers has filed a US lawsuit against an Israeli rival semiconductor company.
London-listed IQE has accused Tower Semiconductor of “unlawfully” getting hold of IQE’s patents for its silicon technology, which is used in 5G tech.
Semiconductors are used in much of today’s electronics, including electric vehicles, but are currently in short supply due to a rapid acceleration of tech buying during the pandemic.
The British company, founded in Cardiff in 1988, has used Californian law to file its complaint under the misappropriation of trade secrets, correction of inventorship, breach of contract, unfair competition, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage.
“We brought about these claims as we have significant reason to believe that Tower has misappropriated IQE’s proprietary trade secrets for its own benefit,” general counsel and company secretary, Tom Dale, said in a statement this morning. “Our technology, processes and intellectual property are vital in underpinning IQE’s products and solutions and in maintaining our market-leading position in advanced semiconductor materials.
“We will vigorously protect them and will provide further updates as material developments occur.”
City A.M. has contacted Tower Semiconductor for comment.
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