USG Faces New Challenge in Vacuum Pipe Support Patent Dispute

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FIN Scores Partial Victory, but USG's Legal Fight May Not Be Over

USG Faces New Challenge in Vacuum Pipe Support Patent Dispute
(Source: https://usg-globe.com/index.php)

By PatenTrip

USG, a supplier of semiconductor vacuum pipes and metal components, is once again defending its vacuum pipe support patent (KR1243968), which is used in semiconductor and LCD manufacturing facilities. The question now is whether a new competitor can successfully avoid infringement on this crucial patent.

The patent covers technology that supports vacuum pipes running through multiple floors in factories, stabilizing their installation. It includes a hollow 'sleeve' structure that secures the pipes as they pass through each floor and a connecting pipe that links the vacuum pipes above and below, topped with a cover plate.

In September 2024, Korea's Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB) ruled in favor of FIN, deciding that the company's product did not fall within the scope of USG's patent in a non-infringement confirmation trial filed by FIN in August 2023. This type of trial allows companies to seek confirmation that their product does not infringe on a competitor's patent. USG has not yet filed a cancellation lawsuit to contest the decision.

FIN had previously challenged the patent's validity in January 2023 through an invalidation trial, but the IPTAB rejected the claim in June 2023. FIN escalated the matter to the Patent Court, only to have its appeal dismissed in April 2024.

This is not the first time USG has defended its vacuum pipe support patent. 

In 2019, Shinkee Industry initiated a similar non-infringement trial. While Shinkee initially succeeded, the Patent Court sided with USG in May 2020. Shinkee appealed to the Supreme Court but withdrew the case in August 2020, marking USG's first major victory involving this patent.

In December 2020, USG proactively took legal action, filing an infringement confirmation trial against Hanyang Technology. The IPTAB ruled in USG's favor in June 2021. Hanyang's appeal to the Patent Court was dismissed in April 2022, and its subsequent invalidation trial against the patent also failed. Hanyang withdrew its own appeal in July 2022.

USG's patent continues to face scrutiny, but with time remaining for an appeal, the final outcome of the latest ruling remains uncertain. 


USG Faces New Challenge in Vacuum Pipe Support Patent Dispute
(Source: https://usg-globe.com/sub/sub02_01.php)

By PatenTrip

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