Applied Materials, Inc. v. Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment (Shanghai) Co.

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS’ MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT ON DEFENDANTS’ COUNTERCLAIMS

J. INTRODUCTION

Applied Materials, Inc. (“Applied” or “Plaintiff’) brings this diversity action against Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment, Inc., and its China and Asia subsidiaries (collectively, “Defendants”), alleging, inter alia, misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair business practices. In response, Defendants assert counterclaims for declaratory relief and unfair business practices.

Presently before the Court is Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment on Defendants’ Counterclaims for Declaratory Relief and Unfair Competition. (hereafter, “Motion,” Docket Item No. 184.) The Court conducted a hearing on March 16, 2009. Based on the papers submitted to date and oral argument, the Court GRANTS Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment.

II. BACKGROUND

A. Undisputed Facts

Plaintiff is a California-based semiconductor manufacturing company with roughly 15,000 employees. (Declaration of Kenneth Kuwayti in Support of Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment on Counterclaims, Ex. A at 230:16, hereafter, “Kuwayti Decl.,” Docket Item No. 185.) Defendant AMEC China is a joint venture startup…