|
Electronics, Computers & Software
Our Intellectual Property Group has helped leading technology companies shape the way the world works and plays. We have extensive experience in intellectual property matters relating to integrated circuits (digital, analog and hybrid), semiconductor technology, computer systems, telecommunications networks and equipment, electronic components and subsystems and related software. Our practice is supported by attorneys, patent agents, technical advisors, paralegals and other experts who collectively hold 100 advanced degrees, including 16 attorneys with advanced degrees specific to computer sciences and electrical engineering.
Our strong technology backgrounds are complemented by our unsurpassed experience in the law of intellectual property. Recently, we pioneered the patent defense of "prosecution laches," in Symbol Technologies, et al. v. Lemelson, where a Federal District Court struck down the Lemelson patents. Prior to this case, more than 1000 corporations doing business in the United States had paid Lemelson over $1.5 billion in royalties.
Our firm has been involved in many of the most important patent cases in the past two decades involving electronics and computer technology. For example, in Cyrix v. Intel, we prevailed in a series of five lawsuits which Intel initiated to stop Cyrix from selling its family of Intel-compatible microprocessors. And in Digital Equipment v. Intel, we successfully asserted 10 Digital patents against the Intel Pentium and Pentium Pro microprocessors, winning a settlement described in the National Law Journal as having a total value of over $1.5 billion. In 2002, we obtained summary judgment that eMachines infringed nine Compaq patents relating to personal computer subsystems, and a permanent injunction before trial relating to two of these patents.
Additionally, in the past several years, licensing electronics-related technology has become a more important component of overall business success. Ropes & Gray's Intellectual Property Group is among the leaders worldwide in negotiating IP licensing agreements for the electronics industry—including landmark licenses for patents covering LCD technology and flat-panel display screens.
The practice is supported by our nationally recognized in-house graphics department, helping our attorneys explain even the most complex electronics issues in terms that are clear, concise and compelling. Moreover, our litigation paralegals have addressed more than 500 cases over the past decade relating to electrical engineering issues.
Our group has represented some of the best-known names in the electronics, software and computer industries, such as Altera, Ampex, British Telecom, Compaq, Cyrix Digital Equipment, Emerson Electronics, General Electric, Gemstar, Hewlett-Packard, Linear Technology, Lucent Technologies, Micron, Motorola, NCR, Nvidia, Philips, Silicon Laboratories, Sun Microsystems, Symbol Technologies, Tyco Electronics and Varian Semiconductor.
Representative Matters
- We represented Lucent and AT&T in Premier Networks, Inc. v. Lucent Technologies Inc. and AT&T Corp., a case relating to electronic telephone circuits decided by a summary judgment in favor of Lucent and AT&T and affirmed by the Federal Circuit in March 2004.
- We represented Lucent and Tyco in VLT, Inc. v. Lucent Technologies Inc. and Tyco Electronic Power Systems, Inc., which is also on appeal to the Federal Circuit. In this case we achieved a consented-to judgment of non-infringement after a favorable Markman ruling.
- In NCR v. Netscape, we represented NCR, asserting several internet related patents. It settled on the eve of trial.
- We successfully represented Linear Technology against patent infringement for its analog circuitry.
©2008 Ropes & Gray LLP. All rights reserved.
|