Samsung has been fined $118 million for infringing on patented technology. The Korean firm allegedly infringed on semiconductor patents from Netlist, a California-based computer memory company. It hasn’t officially responded to the verdict yet.
Samsung fined $118 million for unauthorized use of Netlist’s patented technology
The lawsuit, filed in 2022, focused on Samsung’s memory modules used in cloud computing and other high-tech applications. A federal jury in Marshall, Texas, concluded that these products improperly used Netlist’s technology designed to improve power efficiency and process data faster.
The court accused Samsung of wilfully violating the patents, meaning it was aware of its actions and yet decided to obtain a license from Netlist. This could lead to an even higher penalty, as the judge may decide to triple the damages. The firm had argued that the patents were invalid and that its technology worked differently, but the jury disagreed.
This case follows a string of similar legal battles between Netlist and other industry giants. In 2023, Samsung was ordered to pay $303 million to the American firm in another lawsuit involving memory technology. Similarly, earlier this year, Netlist won a $445 million settlement against Micron Technology for patent infringement. These consecutive rulings have significantly bolstered Netlist’s efforts to protect its intellectual property while emphasizing the importance of adhering to patent laws.
The decision also reaffirms the judiciary’s role in safeguarding innovation. As technology evolves, companies are increasingly turning to legal frameworks to defend their advancements. For Samsung, this verdict is a costly reminder of the critical importance of respecting intellectual property rights. However, the company could challenge the decision. It didn’t respond to a request for media comment.
Meanwhile, Samsung has filed a lawsuit against Netlist for not obliging to fair licensing standards. It remains to be seen whether the company wins this battle against the American semiconductor firm.
