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Brooks Automation acquires wafer handling patents from Newport, seeks royalties |
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Sep 12, 2006 at 06:15 PM |
 Brooks Automation has acquired several technology patents from Newport
Corporation related to wafer handling, active edge grip end effectors, and 300mm load port modules. Newport stopped operating its EFEM and 300mm load port module business last year, resulting in Brooks and Asyst becoming the two major players in that market.
"The acquisition of these patents is another significant step in Brooks' strategy to strengthen our market position in semiconductor automation," said Edward C. Grady, president and chief executive officer of Brooks Automation. "These core patents add depth to our already leading IP position in semiconductor automation and improve our ability to protect and maximize the value of our technology. We have been licensing our fundamental technology to the majority of the companies who provide 300mm load port modules to the semiconductor industry, and with the additional patents we now have even broader patent coverage. We believe we will be able to collect royalties on this broader coverage from our existing licensees and any of the remaining companies who have been selling unlicensed load port modules."
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