EANS-News: LPKF wins major orders for latest Laser Direct Structuring system
Battle for patent protection intensifies
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New Products
Garbsen (euro adhoc) - Garbsen, 13 June 2012 - With its Laser Direct Structuring
(LDS) technology, Garbsen-based LPKF Laser & Electronics AG, has developed a
method for the manufacture of plastic three-dimensional circuit carriers. Within
just a few years, the patented LDS method revolutionised the manufacture of
Smartphone antennas. The speciality mechanical engineering company has now
succeeded in accomplishing a breakthrough into the production of larger
components, such as for example antennas for laptops and Tablet PCs. Over the
last few days, the Company has received order for a total of just on EUR 5
million for the Fusion3D 1500 model. This latest LDS system generation was
especially developed with the manufacture of larger components in mind.
More and more electronics manufacturers are transitioning to the extremely space
saving and flexible LDS components. The primary drivers for this trend are
miniaturisation and ever shorter device product cycles.
However, the number of challenges to and infringements of the patent held by
LPKF AG is growing along with the success of the LDS technology. Lately,
electronics manufacturers have frequently been offered inferior quality,
counterfeit LDS parts. For this reason, LPKF has intensified the battle for the
protection of its intellectual property and has already applied for a
preliminary injunction against a manufacturer from the Asia region.
Board Chairman Dr. Ingo Bretthauer has for some time now been observing a trend
wherein in particular Chinese companies are increasingly targeting the LDS
technology. Thus, one of the LDS patents was recently declared void by a first
instance Chinese court. However, Bretthauer is well aware of the real meaning of
such decisions. "Nullity complaints are a standard tool to counter an impending
patent infringement complaint", says Bretthauer. "We will naturally lodge an
appeal against this decision. We will defend our patent rights - also on behalf
of our customers - with all means at our disposal."
Although LPKF reckons on good chances of being able to enforce its patent claims
in China, Bretthauer considers that the protection afforded the LPKF
technologies by patents alone is not enough. "Our technological advantage will,
if push comes to shove, be a more effective protection against Asian
competitors", explains Bretthauer.
About LPKF
LPKF Laser & Electronics AG has specialised in the manufacture of micromaterial
processing laser systems and is a worldwide leader in several areas of
application of this technology. The Company, founded in 1976, is headquartered
in Garbsen near Hanover, Germany, and does business worldwide through its
subsidiaries and representatives. LPKF employs 617 people worldwide. The stock
of LPKF Laser & Electronics AG is traded in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt
Stock Exchange (ISIN 0006450000).
Further inquiry note:
LPKF Laser & Electronics AG
Bettina Schäfer, Investor Relations Manager (CIRO)
Tel: (05131) 7095-1382
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: LPKF Laser & Electronics AG
Osteriede 7
D-30827 Garbsen
phone: +49(0)5131 7095 1382
FAX: +49(0)5131 7095 90
mail: investorrelations@lpkf.com
WWW: http://www.lpkf.de
sector: Semiconductors & active components
ISIN: DE0006450000
indexes: CDAX, Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: free trade: Hannover, Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf,
Stuttgart, regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt
language: English