American semiconductor foundry GlobalFoundries has locked horns in a legal battle against Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The dispute could see some of the world’s most popular gadgets( notably Apple and Google products) removed from sale.
The US-based GlobalFoundries is demanding an import ban of products that use processors manufactured by its rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in the US and Europe.
TSMC has described the firm’s claims as “baseless”.
GlobalFoundaries has accused TSMC of using its intellectual property illegally in the iPhone XS and Pixel smartphones as well as other handsets.
It says other companies that rely heavily on the disputed tech include Nvidia, Asus, Motorola and OnePlus.
The company is seeking “significant” damages, alleging that the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company had made billions of dollars of profit using its patented technology.
GF wants to prevent the import of chips produced with the technologies in question.
It says consumers would still have the option of buying alternative products from the likes of Samsung and LG, which are not named in the lawsuit.
It said this means there would still be an adequate supply of consumer electronics.
Gregg Bartlett, senior vice-president of engineering and technology at Global Foundries said, “These lawsuits are aimed at protecting those investments and the US and European-based innovation that powers them.
“This action is critical to halt Taiwan Semiconductor’s unlawful use of our vital assets and to safeguard the American and European manufacturing base.”
TSMC has vowed to defend its business activities.
The company said in a statement, “We are disappointed to see a foundry peer resort to meritless lawsuits instead of competing in the marketplace with technology.
It added that it would “fight vigorously and use any and all options to protect our proprietary technologiesFoundries
