The lawsuit claims that Micron used YMTC’s patented technology to counter YMTC’s competitive edge and secure its market position without adequately compensating for the use of these inventions.
Chinese chipmaker Yangtze Memory Technologies Co (YMTC) has initiated legal action against American competitor Micron Technology for allegedly infringing on eight patents. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California’s U.S. District Court on November 9, accuses Micron of leveraging YMTC’s proprietary technology to maintain and expand its market presence without adequately compensating for the patented innovations.
YMTC expressed confidence in quickly resolving the lawsuit involving patents related to 3D NAND technology design, manufacturing, and operation. Micron, a DRAM and NAND flash memory chip producer, did not immediately respond to these allegations.
Micron, competing globally with firms like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Toshiba’s Kioxia, faces challenges in its business operations. The U.S. government has heightened restrictions on exporting chipmaking technology to China, citing security concerns. Additionally, Micron’s products were recently banned in China following a network security review.
Micron’s market in China, once accounting for half of its $20 billion revenue in 2017, has significantly declined to 16% in 2022. Despite challenges, including a previous dispute with Fujian Jinhua and a temporary sales ban in China, Micron continues to invest in the Chinese market, with plans to expand its Xian chip-packaging plant and participate in a Shanghai trade expo.
