GlobalFoundries has joined the LOT Network, the world’s largest patent licensing platform and non-profit community of global companies committed to protecting themselves against costly litigation from patent assertion entities (PAEs). With this move, GF joins a community of more than 4,500 companies that include half of the top 20 largest U.S. patent holders, and half of the S&P Global 100 and Fortune 100.
Semiconductors play an ever-increasing and vital role in driving innovation, enabling diverse applications across high-growth markets such as artificial intelligence, automotive, smart devices and advanced healthcare technologies. With a global footprint spanning three continents, GF is a leading innovator of differentiated essential chip technologies and has added its nearly 10,000 global patent assets in semiconductor manufacturing, test, and design to the protections of LOT Network.
PAEs, referred to by some as “patent trolls”, are responsible for more than 87 percent of all patent litigation against the high-tech industry. Many of the patents used are acquired from the industry itself and are used by the PAEs to profit through litigation against other members of the industry.
GF’s membership in LOT Network protects the company and minimizes litigation risk, allowing the company to focus on innovation that will drive advancements in smarter, more secure, connected and efficient devices. LOT Network membership provides a global shield, with members from 56 different countries.
“Semiconductors are the key building blocks for so many products that the world relies on to live, work and connect. We are committed to protecting our technology and securely manufacturing the essential chips our customers, partners and industry rely on,” said Adam Noah, Chief IP Counsel at GF. “By joining the LOT Network, we are further safeguarding our business and our customers against PAE litigation, allowing us to focus on the important work of delivering world-class technology solutions. We encourage others within the semiconductor manufacturing and design ecosystem to address the PAE drain on resources by joining LOT’s protective community, which provides strength in numbers.”
“GF is the perfect role model for a U.S.-based semiconductor supplier,” said Ken Seddon, CEO of LOT Network. “Not only are they protecting their business, but they are also protecting their customers, as all GF products now come with free immunization to over 20 percent of all US patents. GF is a semiconductor visionary for recognizing the critical role it plays in the protection not just of the semiconductor industry, but the many verticals that rely upon its technologies as well.”
Original – GlobalFoundries