Lifang recently represented Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (hereafter “EPC”) against Innoscience (Zhuhai) Technology Company Co., Ltd. (hereafter “Innoscience”) and obtained victories in patent invalidation procedures concerning two EPC's key patents involving gallium nitride (GaN) technology. These two patents are finally declared valid by the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

GaN is a key material for third-generation semiconductors. Compared with traditional silicon-based power devices, GaN represents a significant leap of power devices. GaN power devices are integral to self-driving vehicles, communications devices, drones, satellites, AI, among many other applications. 

As the pioneer and the global leader in GaN technology and products, EPC has been dedicated to the development and commercialization of GaN power devices. Since the launch of the first commercial GaN product in the world in 2010, EPC has capitalized on its first-mover advantage to develop a broad portfolio of over 200 GaN-related patents and over 150 products, and enjoys a high reputation in the industry.

In May, 2023, EPC found that a number of its core patents related to GaN technology may have been infringed by Innoscience, and therefore instituted lawsuits before the U.S. Federal Court and U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). In response, among others, Innoscience in September, 2023, filed requests to invalidate EPC's relevant patents before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, USPTO, and at the same time also commenced invalidation procedures against two Chinese counterparts of these EPC's patents (patent No. ZL201080015425.X and patent No. ZL201080015388.2) before the CNIPA.

Entrusted by EPC with the two cases before the CNIPA, Lifang's Patent Team immediately delved into the patents in suit and submitted prior art reference, and diligently studied the relevant technical literature. During the trial, Lifang’s Patent Team, grounded on solid evidence and well preparation, managed to explain to the panel in a simple yet thorough way the key concepts of the inventions, and successfully convinced the panel to fully accept EPC's arguments. Consequently, in the two decisions quickly issued after the trials, the Chinese patent No. ZL201080015425.X was declared valid in its entirety, and all key claims of the Chinese patent No. ZL201080015388.2 were eventually maintained. These favorable decisions from the CNIPA thus effectively protect EPC's legitimate rights and interests, and greatly supports EPC's patent enforcement actions in the States.

Because these cases involve core patents in the field of GaN transistors, and the contending parties are both renowned enterprises in the industry, naturally they have attracted great attentions globally. On the heels of the CNIPA's two decisions confirming the validity of the above two Chinese patents of EPC, ITC announced its preliminary ruling on July 8, 2024, finding EPC's two patents valid and one infringed by Innoscience. The decisions and preliminary ruling made successively by Chinese and U.S. authorities lead the cases to a new stage.

Along with the constant development and widening application of semiconductor materials, the importance of patent protection in this field is becoming increasingly prominent, and a large number of IP cases involving issues in both China and other jurisdictions will undoubtedly emerge. Lifang has long been dedicated in this technical field, and is always committed to providing our clients with high-quality legal services and accompanying the growth of outstanding enterprises as well as the industry.

The trial team is led by senior partner Dr. Wu Li and joined by senior counsel Dr. Wang Rui and senior attorney Zheng Haiyang.