With lawsuits seeking to block imports and sales in the US, GlobalFoundries targets Tower Semiconductor, alleging infringement across 11 chipmaking technologies.
GlobalFoundries has launched multiple lawsuits against Israel-based Tower Semiconductor, alleging infringement of 11 patents covering chip manufacturing technologies.
The American chip giant filed complaints with the US International Trade Commission and the US District Court for the Western District of Texas, seeking to block Tower from importing and selling products that allegedly violate its intellectual property.
One complaint involves patents held by GlobalFoundries Singapore, while the other focuses on US patents.
According to a report by The Manufacturing Dive, the disputed technologies include analogue, radio frequency and silicon photonics processes used in semiconductors for mobile, automotive and aerospace applications. Patents cited range from high-voltage devices to self-aligned liners on metal semiconductor alloy contacts.
GlobalFoundries claims Tower’s products were produced or sold in the United States, where Tower operates facilities in Newport Beach, California, and San Antonio, Texas. Chief technology officer Gregg Bartlett said the actions were necessary to protect innovation and ensure fair competition.
GlobalFoundries, formed in 2009 as a spin-off from AMD, expanded its portfolio by acquiring IBM’s microelectronics business in 2015. It now holds more than 8000 patents and is a key supplier to the US Department of Defense.
The company reported fourth-quarter (CY2025) revenue of $1.83 billion, supported by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres.
Meanwhile, Tower has rejected the allegations, stating it will contest them in court. The company emphasised its record of research and development investment, supported by US manufacturing plants and global R&D centres.
Tower reported fourth quarter revenue of $440 million, up 14% year-on-year, with net profit of $80 million.
The dispute adds to Tower’s recent challenges, including Intel’s cancelled acquisition bid in 2023 and stalled joint venture talks with India’s Adani Group. More recently, Tower restructured its Japan operations after Intel withdrew from a wafer manufacturing agreement.
