DRAM maker Nanya Technology is looking to sign with Intellectual Ventures (IV) for assistance in DRAM patents to enhance its defensive strength in its patent infringement lawsuit with Elpida Memory, according to industry sources.
Nanya recently announced it has filed a complaint against Elpida with the International Trade Commission, asking the agency to bar the US imports of the rival's DRAMs that it claims infringe its patents, and of modules containing the chips. The statement came on the heels of two complaints lodged by Elpida in the US and Taiwan alleging the competitor infringed its DRAM patents.
Nanya's technology partner, Micron Technology, has already struck a deal with IV. Earlier in 2011, both parties entered into an IP license agreement which provides Micron with access to IV's patent portfolio, and also allows both companies to have the option to buy patents from each other.
Founded in 2000, IV is committed to helping companies of all sizes gain more efficient access to inventions and patents. IV builds, buys and collaborates to create inventions, and supply those to companies through licensing and partnering programs. IV's licensees include HTC, LG Electronics, Research In Motion and Samsung Electronics in the smartphone industry, OEM/ODM Wistron, and panel supplier Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT).