Pall Corporation has filed a patent infringement action against Entegris Inc. The suit alleges that the Entegris Impact filter cartridge line infringes four Pall patents: US Patent Nos. 5,543,047, 5,690,765, 6,113,784, and 7,195,122. The suit seeks compensatory damages and a permanent injunction precluding Entegris from selling the infringing products. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
Pall's material science and manufacturing capabilities are cornerstones of the company's technological leadership. "Our patents are core assets. They represent countless hours of work by our scientists and engineers and millions of dollars of corporate resources. We vigorously protect our intellectual property rights," said Steve Chisolm, President, Pall Microelectronics.
At issue in the suit are two highly innovative and successful Pall technology platforms, the Ultipleat laid-over pleat filter pack and the EZD low hold-up volume filter capsule.
Pall's Ultipleat filter line is in broad use in a variety of markets and applications. The laid-over pleat design that defines the Ultipleat filter line allows more filter material to be packed into a smaller envelope. This simultaneously enhances performance while lowering processing costs. This innovative technology is a two-time winner of the prestigious Vaaler Award which recognizes leading innovations in the chemical processing industry. The technology also received the "Attendees' Choice Award for Cost of Ownership" at the Semicon West conference in 2005, which brings together "technologists and organizations that drive the future of semiconductor design and manufacturing."
Pall's EZD capsule line also represents an engineering breakthrough. Its patented internal configuration offers several advantages, including minimizing process fluid loss. This is a key benefit particularly in photolithography applications where chemicals can cost as much as $3,000 per liter.
A separate action filed by Pall in 2005 involving different Entegris products is ongoing. Pall believes that certain Entegris Quickchange and Waferguard products infringe on two other Pall patents.