ASML and NIKON Long-lasting IPR Dispute Finally Resolved

September 2, 2004

ASML and NIKON Long-lasting IPR Dispute Finally Resolved
CMOS chip equipment manufacturer ASML Holding NV and Japanese Nikon Corp announced on September 2, they have reached an agreement to settle a long-lasting IPR dispute. This comes to show that a final stop has been put to the two companies’ one million worth of legal proceedings.

ASML said, according to the provisions of the agreement, ASML will provide a certain amount of compensation to Nikon, without unveiling the exact sum. Apart from this, the agreement also provides for a solution to the mutual licensing problem.

ASML speaker Beth Kitchener said, “The agreement states Nikon entirely possesses the ASML patent right, and vise versa”. She pointed out the latter is not often seen in the CMOS chip processing industry.

In the end of 2001 Nikon stated that the main structure of the ASML exposer and scanner infringed on its patent right, upon which ASML answered with countercharge.

The trial was initially scheduled for hearing this year in USA, but the two companies have agreed to terminate all the legal proceedings.

ASML and Nikon are respectively the first and the second world manufacturers of the flat press system. The Japanese Canon Inc. is the third.

The two companies will sign a memorandum of understanding before September 15. Before this date, Kitchener refuses to reveal the financial clauses of the agreement.