IXYS Corp. v. Advanced Power Technology, Inc.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER RE: DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT LIMITING REMEDIES BASED ON LACHES

Plaintiff IXYS Corporation (“IXYS”) filed this action against defendant Advanced Power Technology, Inc. (“APT”), alleging infringement of two U.S. patents, numbered 5,486,715 (the “ ’715 patent”) and 5,801,419 (the “ ’419 patent”), that it holds on an improved design for power MOSFET devices. APT has counterclaimed for infringement of its patents, numbered 5,288,202 (the “’202 patent”) and 5,262,336 (the “’336 patent”), which teach a design for diodes with lifetime control. Now before the court is APT’s motion seeking partial summary judgment that IXYS’s remedies are limited due to the equitable doctrine of laches. After having considered the parties’ arguments and submissions, and for the reasons set forth below, the court rules as follows.

BACKGROUND

IXYS and APT have been active competitors in the market for power MOSFETS and other semiconductor devices for over a decade. APT has been producing dual-metal power MOSFETS for sale since at least January 1991, when it began marketing the APT 208, and a second incarnation of the product (known internally as the “APT 208x”)…