Cai Jing Wang·2025-08-14 05:44Core Viewpoint - Beijing Yitang Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd. (Yitang) has filed a lawsuit against Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) for allegedly misappropriating its trade secrets related to plasma sources and wafer surface treatment, claiming damages of 99.99 million RMB [1][2] Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Yitang has initiated legal action in the Beijing Intellectual Property Court, asserting that AMAT unlawfully acquired and utilized its core technology secrets and disclosed them through a patent application in China [1][2] - The lawsuit has been officially filed, but the court has yet to schedule a hearing [1] - Yitang claims that the lawsuit will not significantly impact its operations or production [1] Group 2: Technology and Intellectual Property - The technology in question involves high-concentration, stable, and uniform plasma used for wafer surface treatment, which is critical for Yitang's semiconductor processing equipment [1] - The two employees involved in the case were previously employed by Yitang's wholly-owned subsidiary, Mattson Technology, Inc. (MTI), and had signed confidentiality agreements regarding the technology [2] - Evidence suggests that AMAT submitted a patent application to the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration, naming the two former MTI employees as primary inventors, thereby disclosing Yitang's trade secrets [2] Group 3: Impact on Business - Yitang alleges that AMAT's actions have caused significant damage to its intellectual property and economic interests, including promoting and selling products that utilize the misappropriated technology in China [2]