Linear Takes Monolithic to Court

Staff Reporter -- Electronic News, 8/7/2006

Linear and analog IC supplier Linear Technology Corp. filed a lawsuit today against fabless IC manufacturer Monolithic Power Systems Inc. based on an alleged breach of a settlement agreement and patent infringement.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleges that Monolithic has breached a settlement agreement that ended a previous investigation of Monolithic by the International Trade Commission based on Monolithic's infringement of patents owned by Linear.

In addition, the complaint alleges that Monolithic is again infringing the patents at issue in the prior investigation.

The complaint requests "permanent injunctive relief" against Monolithic’s continued infringement as well as unspecified damages.