Strength of Crocus Technology IP prevails against Spin Transfer Technologies
Santa Clara, California USA, December 2, 2015 – Crocus Technology, a leading developer of magnetic sensors and embedded memory solutions, today announces that it has prevailed in the Inter Partes Review of US Patent No. 6,980,469, Case No. IPR2014-00047.
The ’469 patent concerns high-speed low-power magnetic devices utilizing induced spin- momentum transfer technologies, which are included in a patent portfolio held by Spin Transfer Technologies Inc. (STT). Crocus petitioned to cancel all or part of the patent, explaining that the ’469 patent claims a technology found in the prior art. Notably, Crocus had already patented this technology that makes advanced non-volatile memory blocks more efficient.
After careful consideration, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the US Patent and Trademark Office issued its final written decision cancelling or finding unpatentable all but three claims of the ’469 patent. Specifically, claims 1-12, 14-20, 22-31and 33-35 were cancelled or found unpatentable by a preponderance of the evidence. The Board issued its decision on March 26, 2015 and the time limit for appeal has now passed.
“Crocus Technology is highly satisfied with the US Patent and Trademark Office’s decision in this case,” said Michel Desbard, CEO of Crocus Technology. “Crocus has invested many years in building a solid IP portfolio of technologies to bring performance and cost advantages to consumer and industrial applications. Our strong portfolio of patents covers the design and manufacturing of the Magnetic Logic Unit™ (MLU) technology, as well as generic technologies like STT (Spin Torque Transfer). Crocus will remain vigilant in protecting its IP.”
Crocus currently has over 160 filed and granted patents, covering technologies that are ideal for more easily producing highly robust and secure embedded memory. In addition, these technologies enable customers to develop magnetic sensors that bring high-sensitivity, low-noise and high temperature performance, amongst other advantages, to products and systems in high demand.
About Crocus Technology
Crocus Technology develops and supplies magnetic sensors and embedded memory solutions designed with Magnetic Logic Unit™ (MLU) technology. Its magnetic sensors bring significant advantages to industrial, consumer electronics and automotive applications requiring high sensitivity, high temperature, low-noise and low-cost. MLU’s distinguishing properties for enabling speed and endurance afford new levels of robustness to Crocus’ embedded memory solutions aimed at the IoT and security applications. Crocus is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has offices in Grenoble, France. It co-owns Crocus Nano Electronics, a Russian- based advanced magnetic semiconductor manufacturing facility. For more information, please visit https://mayagrafix.com/crocus.
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