Seoul Court Rules for Lam Research in Edge Ring Design Infringement Case
Photo: blickpixel / Pixabay
On 8 October 2026, the Seoul Central District Court partly ruled in favour of U.S. equipment maker Lam Research in its design infringement suit against Korean parts supplier BCNC, The Elec reported. The court banned production and distribution of the BCNC edge ring products found to infringe, ordered destruction of stock, and awarded damages. Lam's other claims were dismissed.
Edge rings protect the edge of a wafer during etching. Lam sued in January 2024. In parallel proceedings, the Korean IP Trial and Appeal Board upheld two Lam edge ring designs in May, and BCNC has appealed to the Patent Court. In separate patent invalidation proceedings, the Board invalidated two of three Lam patents. BCNC's counsel told The Elec it will appeal.
The case shows how equipment makers are using design rights, alongside patents, against suppliers of aftermarket replacement parts.
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