Crocus Files Inter Partes Review Petition

Crocus Technology S.A., developer of magnetically enhanced semiconductor technologies for mobile security, embedded microcontrollers, harsh environment electronics and magnetic sensors, has filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office for Inter Partes Review against US Patent 6,980,469 high speed low power magnetic devices based on current induced spin-momentum transfer, which is included in the patent portfolio held by Spin Transfer Technologies Inc. (STT).

The aim of Crocus’ petition is to cancel all or part of said patent.

Crocus explains in the petition that the patent at issue describes a technology already included in prior art, in particular in the patent portfolio of Crocus, a portfolio that includes STT technology (Spin Torque Transfer).

The aforementioned technology that Crocus has already patented makes advanced non-volatile memory blocks more efficient. It is for producing robust and secure embedded memory more easily. In addition, it enables customers to develop magnetic sensors that bring high sensitivity, low-noise and high temperature performance, amongst other advantages in high demand. Crocus has invested in developing this technology.

Crocus currently holds 154 patents. It licenses its technologies to foundries and design houses around the world. These include Towerjazz, a global specialty foundry, which is helping speed the adoption of Crocus’ non-volatile memory (NVM) and magnetic sensor technologies in the fast growing magnetic markets.

“Crocus Technology has built a strong IP portfolio of technologies used to improve the performance and cost of next-generation micro-controllers, embedded memory and magnetic sensors,” said Bertrand Cambou, executive chairman and CEO, Crocus. “We’ve invested heavily over the last nine years to develop the technology, its manufacturing processes and the ecosystem. Our strong portfolio of patents covers the design and manufacturing of the Magnetic Logic unit  (MLU) as well as generic technologies like STT (Spin Torque Transfer). So, Crocus will take all the necessary steps to protect its IP and thus not hesitate to assert its rights pursuant to applicable law.”