Applied Materials has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Chinese competitor Mattson, alleging systematic theft of trade secrets over a 14-month period. Digi Times. Applied alleges Mattson, which was acquired by the Beijing E-Town Dragon Semiconductor Industry Investment Center in 2016, launched a coordinated campaign to poach 17 top engineers, which led to the illegal transfer of semiconductor designs. ing.
“Applied Materials vigorously protects its intellectual property from theft and illegal use,” an Applied Materials spokesperson told Tom’s Hardware. “We are taking legal action to ensure the protection of our intellectual property rights. We are unable to comment further on the pending legal action.”
The complaint alleges that Mattson’s engineers, including senior department managers, had access to confidential information, including fab production techniques and Applied Materials’ roadmap. The lawsuit began in 2022, and the last departure is said to have provided conclusive evidence of industrial espionage. Applied Materials argues that the theft could give Mattson a significant competitive edge in technology development.
Mattson has pleaded not guilty to the allegations, arguing that the allegations were baseless and would ultimately be rebutted. Mattson director Canfeng Lai, meanwhile, admitted to sending the document from his work email to his personal account, claiming it was to document his performance. Lai has denied using or disclosing confidential information to third parties in his new role at Mattson.
The lawsuit details a number of suspicious activities surrounding the exodus of key employees, most of which involved wiping company-issued devices and being evasive or unfaithful about new employers. is also included. Particular emphasis was placed on Lai’s attempt to download classified information after he accepted a job offer from Mattson. Despite his claims that his new role at Mattson had nothing to do with the stolen technology, Applied’s Materials adhered to the claim that industrial espionage was meticulously planned and executed. there is
