Officials at Hsinchu-based PixArt Imaging Inc (
Agilent -- which is the world's largest manufacturer of scientific testing equipment -- has accused PixArt of copying one of its optical motion sensor patents used in advanced computer mice and is now requesting damages through the North California District Court, a statement from the company said.
If found guilty, the Hsinchu-based PixArt may have to pay damages and could be barred from selling the component to any company that imports, distributes or sells optical mice in the US.
"Agilent is recognized as one of the pioneers in optical mouse sensor technology," Agilent vice president Jeff Henderson said in a statement. "We have a significant and growing patent portfolio in relation to the manufacture and sale of patented optical mouse sensors for use in the United States. We will vigorously protect our investment in designing and developing this breakthrough technology from anyone who would infringe on our intellectual property rights."
The news comes after PixArt launched a pre-emptive legal strike against Agilent in the same North California District Court on Oct. 31 last year, seeking a determination that the disputed patent is invalid.
PixArt's managing director Sen Huang (
Huang went on to say in the same statement that PixArt uses its own designs and non-patented technology in its products.
"To clear doubts and uncertainty [among] our customers, we file[d] this declaratory action as to Patent No. 6,433,780 [the disputed sensor technology], and will append any other ones if the controversy reaches the statutory level. PixArt's customers may rest assured while using our solutions," the statement said.
With total net sales of US$6 billion last year, Agilent is seeking to protect a large market. The most recent figures for 1998 start-up PixArt show that the company made NT$360 million in sales in 2002, and booked a profit of NT$32 million.
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