M/A-COM buys Optomai amid suit
Based in Silicon Valley, CA, Optomai’s product portfolio in GaAs and InP circuit design complements M/A-COM Tech’s existing CATV/broadcast and point-to-point/infrastructure businesses. Optomai is a provider of high-speed optoelectronic ICs such as laser modulator drivers and transimpedance amplifiers (TIA).
M/A-COM is a supplier of high performance semiconductors, active and passive components, and subassemblies for use in radio frequency (RF), microwave, and millimeter-wave applications.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Before that deal was announced, GigOptix Inc., a supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40- and 100-G optical networks, has filed a lawsuit against Optomai and five former GigOptix employees in Santa Clara County Superior Court.
GigOptix alleges in the lawsuit that the former employees violated confidentiality agreements with GigOptix ”by retaining and misusing confidential and proprietary GigOptix information to launch a competing company.”
According to allegations in the lawsuit, the former employees created Optomai Inc. in 2009 and have begun selling products that directly compete with GigOptix’s products. ”GigOptix further alleges that Optomai used GigOptix technology and intellectual property to develop its products in violation of California law and that it is now selling its products as the ‘Optomai Optoelectronics’ product line of MA-COM.”
GigOptix is seeking damages and injunctive relief.
In a statement, GigOptix’s Chairman and Chief Executive Avi Katz, stated, “GigOptix is committed to zealously protecting its intellectual property. We will take every step necessary to protect the technology we have developed and to ensure that our rights, the value we have created for our shareholders and business success are not compromised.”
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