ITC Rules in Favor of Avago Technologies in Parallel Fiber Optics Case
In March 2009, the ITC announced that it would take up Avago’s complaint, which accused New Mexico-based Emcore of making fiber optic components that infringe Avago’s U.S. Patent Numbers 5,359,447 and 5,761,229. Prior to the ITC matter, Avago sued Emcore for infringement of the patents in December 2008 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The District Court case against Emcore for damages is temporarily stayed until an ITC Order becomes final. Avago will pursue the infringement charges in the District Court when the stay is lifted.
This past week, the ITC found that Avago patents cover parallel fiber optics products and components made and sold by Emcore and used for data communications for core routing and enterprise networking.
Avago’s General Counsel, Patricia H. McCall, stated “Avago is pleased by the ITC’s decision and remains committed to protecting and, where necessary, taking action to enforce its valuable patent and intellectual property rights. Our belief in the strength of our intellectual property in parallel fiber optics is validated by this decision.”
In the next phase of the case, the ITC will consider the appropriate scope of an exclusion order enjoining Emcore from importing the infringing optoelectronic products and systems employing these components into the United States for the term of Avago’s patents. The ITC has recommended an exclusion order to prevent further importation, and also recommended a cease and desist order to prevent Emcore from selling already imported infringing products.
The case is In the Matter of Certain Optoelectronic Devices, Components Thereof and Products Containing the Same, case number 337-TA-669, in the U.S. International Trade Commission. Avago was represented by Novak Druce + Quigg LLP.
