EPC’s GaN fight with Innoscience looks to China trade war
Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) suing Chinese competitor Innoscience for violation of its GaN patents could lead to a trade war through a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC).
The four patents cited cover core aspects of the design and high volume manufacturing process of EPC’s proprietary enhancement-mode gallium nitride power semiconductor devices.
In 2010, EPC began making the first mass-produced commercial GaN transistors and integrated circuits. It uses older fab capacity for volume production. It holds 57 US patents and 172 patents worldwide and has over 100 Integrated Circuits (ICs) and discrete transistors available.
- China’s Innoscience denies EPC claims of GaN patent
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EPC says Innoscience , headquartered in Guangdong China, recruited two EPC employees to serve as its Chief Technology Officer and Head of Sales and Marketing. Shortly thereafter, Innoscience introduced a suite of products visibly identical to EPC’s, boasting virtually equal performance across key performance metrics, says EPC. Innoscience denies that the employees took those roles.
EPC also points to Innoscience claims that many of its products have “pin-to-pin compatibility with existing products,” including EPC’s products.
Innoscience denies the claims, saying the claims are inconsistent with the facts and the motivation is doubtful. It says the IP it uses is “clear, traceable and free from infringement.” It says it already has a plan if the ITC compliant stops shipment into the US.
“I have always been a believer in fair cooperation as the foundation of global technology markets,” said Alex Lidow, EPC’s co-founder and CEO. “Only through cooperation can we unlock the potential of GaN technology and meet the world’s energy security and sustainability goals. Strong protections and respect for intellectual property are essential to that trust and cooperation.”
“I am confident that, through these decisive actions, we will reach a fair and reasonable resolution that levels the playing field and ensures a GaN ecosystem that works for all participants in this critical emerging technology.”
www.epc-co.com; www.innoscience.com
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