GlobalFoundries demands a ban on the import of Tower Semiconductor chips into the United States over a patent dispute

New Patent Conflict: GlobalFoundries vs. Tower Semiconductor

*Patent disputes often become weapons in the battle between Western and Asian technology giants. In this turmoil, an unexpected rival emerged: Israeli manufacturer Tower Semiconductor, which recently avoided being acquired by a large corporation, Intel.*

1. What happened?
- GlobalFoundries (USA) filed two lawsuits:

1. With the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

2. With the Texas District Court.

- Goal: to obtain a ban on importing Tower products into the United States if they are made using disputed GlobalFoundries technologies.

2. Why Tower Semiconductor specifically?
- Tower collaborates with Intel and has its own research centers and two chip manufacturing plants in the United States.

- Despite this, the company recently “miraculously” remained independent from a major acquisition.

3. GlobalFoundries’ accusations
- During its operations, GlobalFoundries has filed about 8,000 patent applications.

- Tower Semiconductor holds only 500 patents.

- GlobalFoundries claims that Tower infringed on 11 of its patented technologies and seeks an import ban on products using those technologies.

4. Tower’s reaction
- The company fully rejects the allegations.

- Plans to defend its interests in court.

- Emphasizes the presence of its own research centers and factories in the United States.

5. Positions in the global market
Company Rank (contract manufacturing) Market Share
GlobalFoundries 5th 3.87 %
Tower Semiconductor 7th 0.89 %

6. Additional nuances
- Tower’s agreement with Intel (2023) to use plants in New Mexico has not yet been implemented in practice.

- If the court rules in favor of GlobalFoundries, the ban will apply only to those Tower products that use the disputed technologies.

Conclusion:

GlobalFoundries intends to obtain monetary compensation and prohibit the import of certain Israeli competitor products. Tower Semiconductor denies the accusations and is preparing to defend its interests in U.S. courts. The question remains open until the case is heard by a judge.