Linear Technology Corp. v. Tokyo Electron Ltd.

After a jury trial, appellant Linear Technology Corporation (Linear) lost its suit for breach of statutory warranty against respondents Novellus *1530 Systems, Inc. (Novellus), and Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL). Linear’s motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict was unsuccessful, and the trial court awarded respondents attorney fees. Linear appeals from both the judgment and the postjudgment order, contending that (1) it proved breach of statutory warranty as a matter of law, and (2) respondents were not entitled to attorney fees. We will affirm the judgment and the postjudgment order.

Background

Linear designs, manufactures, and sells semiconductors and integrated circuit products. Between July 1996 and August 2000 Linear purchased semiconductor processing equipment from Novellus and TEL, a Concept One machine from Novellus and a Mark Vz from TEL. During 2001 Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI), filed multiple lawsuits against Linear in the United States District Court, alleging patent infringement and seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees arising from the use and sale of products made by processes covered by TI’s patents. One of the lawsuits, filed in…