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12:03
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Originally posted by BobF:
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AP designed the MEMS system, and has patented every aspect of that functional design that they can. But the FAB decides how they will actually run the machines in order to implement those designs. I expect mostly that the actual techniques employed to make a shape or structure will not be known to the customer for whom the device is produced. It is inevitable that a MEMS FAB will want to patent some features of the production techniques used in the devices they make for their customers. That is leverage on their part to ensure that they continue to do business with the client, as well as simply being part of their repertoire of production techniques. Yes there is some mutual reliance on each other. It is called mutual trust between commercial partners. And yes, both parties need each other, but that is where manufacturing and licensing agreements take place. If AP shifts manufacture to other FABs those FABs will undoubtedly have their own undisclosed techniques to make the same product that work best on their equipment. If they get info from the other FAB that may save them time, and I expect they will assume that info is worth something to them, due to the development time involved. They may accept that and pay for it. Or they may already know how to make the structures from other things they have done in the past, and just replicate the development work themselves.
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Cheers BobF. That's a bit more detailed than can manage. My view is more from a bird's eye. I agree. If AKP patent a truly commercial new microchip device, then it would be entirely consistent for there to arise novel (meaning patentable) methodologies for manufacturing, packaging, and using such a device. AKP need not own all of these, and wouldn't be expected to, so long as it owns an essential link in any particular chain. AKP doesn't strike me as a crowd who doesn't know how to protect its IP. Time will tell.
(20min delay)