Foundries call off patent war

GlobalFoundries and TSMC have called off their legal battle with a patent cross-licensing deal that covers not just those already filed but patents that will be filed over the coming decade.

In a joint statement, the companies said “the resolution guarantees GF and TSMC freedom to operate and ensures that their respective customers will continue to have access to each foundry’s complete array of technologies and services.”

Thomas Caulfield, CEO of GlobalFoundries, which launched an action against TSMC earlier in the year to which TSMC responded with its own counterclaims, said: “We are pleased to have quickly reached this settlement that acknowledges the strength of our respective intellectual property. Today’s announcement enables both of our companies to focus on innovation and to better serve our clients around the world.”