Silicon Light Machines Challenges

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Silicon Light Machines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE:CY) announced today that it has taken action to contest a U.S. patent that was granted to the founders of another company in the optical components field. Silicon Light Machines maintains that certain subject matter of a patent held by the founders of Lightconnect, Inc. of Newark, CA, was actually first invented by Silicon Light Machines employees.The patent in question—U.S. Patent No. 6,169,624—was filed on August 11, 1999. It involves engineering techniques employed in manufacturing optical micro-electromechanical systems, or MEMS. MEMS devices are used in display, imaging, and optical communications applications.“The intellectual property produced by our highly inventive engineers is the lifeblood of our company,” said Tom Werner, CEO of Silicon Light Machines. “We have 22 patents issued to date, with many more pending. By presenting compelling evidence to the US Patent Office, we are confident that the rightful inventorship and ownership of these ideas will be clearly established by an independent party. Protecting our IP is a matter of principle with us. Even if the Patent Office fails to agree with our claim, the results of their decision won’t affect our ability to ship current or pending SLM products.”Silicon Light Machines