TrendChip Technologies Supports Billion Electric in Patent Litigation Against Lantiq

HSINCHU, March 24 /PRNewswire Asia/ — xDSL CPE chipset leader TrendChip Technologies released an official statement on March 23 to state that it totally disagrees with the infringement complaint filed by Lantiq in Germany against Billion Electric for the alleged infringement of its patent rights by using TrendChip’s chipset, and it will fully assist Billion Electric in fighting against Lantiq in order to protect its customers’ and its own interests.

A few days ago, German communications chip maker Lantiq filed a complaint in a local district court against Billion Electric for infringing on the company’s patent rights. It alleged that some of Billion Electric’s ADSL2/ADSL2 + modem products are violating the intellectual property rights of the company because they are using TrendChip’s communication chipsets.

TrendChip said that the patent that has been infringed upon, as alleged by Lantiq, is not the one originally applied for by the company. Instead, it was bought from another company, and also that its predecessor, Infineon, had already made a claim as early as two years ago. A comprehensive professional analysis conducted by lawyers and patent experts engaged by TrendChip have concluded that there have been no infringements. A copy of the analysis report, together with other information, such as those expressing doubts with regard to the validity of the patent was sent to Infineon. However, Infineon could not make a strong rebuttal. Today, Lantiq has filed legal proceedings against one of TrendChip’s customers with the same patent. Deemed an attempt to interfere with the mechanism of free market competition, TrendChip totally disagrees with their actions. TrendChip will take the same stance with its customers and use all available legal resources to safeguard its customers’ and its own interests, including such actions as applying for revocation of the said patent rights.

TrendChip believes that the most favourable direction for the development of the industry and its customers is to continually provide customers with competitive products and services. It further stresses that the company has always been focusing on the research and development of ADSL chips since its establishment. It has great respect for protecting intellectual property rights and safeguarding patent rights, and going forward it will continue to pit itself against the fierce competition in the industry with its complete solution business model and proprietary product innovations.

About TrendChip Technologies

Established in 2001 and with a paid-up capital of NT 368 million, TrendChip (Stock code: 3614) is a leading maker focused on the design of broadband access chipsets. It boasts world-class R&D, technical support and sales teams for broadband communications. TrendChip’s most cost-effective ADSL chipsets and complete communication software are being used widely by its world-class telecommunications customers. With its annual shipment achieving a substantial growth of more than 60% in 2009, its market share now exceeds 20%.
On March 11, the merger between Ralink Technology and TrendChip was approved by their respective Board of Directors’ Meeting. After the merger, Ralink Technology will be the company to remain in existence. Also set up in 2001, Ralink Technology was the first wireless network IC design company in Taiwan. After the merger, their combined revenue in 2009 exceeded NT 7.3 billion, ranking it in the top 30 among the IC design companies around the world.