16 May 2011

M/A-COM Tech to defend GigOptix lawsuit

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which manufactures semiconductors, components, and subassemblies for RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) says that it will vigorously defend a lawsuit filed by GigOptix Inc of Palo Alto, CA, USA against M/A-COM Tech, its subsidiary Optomai Inc (acquired on 26 April) and five Optomai employees who previously worked at GigOptix. GigOptix designs modulator drivers, laser drivers and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) ICs based on III-V materials as well as polymer electro-optic modulators for 40–100Gb/s fiber-optic communications systems.

Filed on 26 April in Santa Clara County Superior Court, the lawsuit requests unspecified damages and injunctive relief based on as-yet unsubstantiated breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation allegations.

Optomai is a fabless semiconductor company that develops high-performance integrated circuits and modules for next-generation 40Gbps and 100Gbps fiber-optic networks. Its product portfolio includes high-speed optoelectronic ICs such as 40G and 100G laser modulator drivers and TIAs for both line-side and client-side applications. Its expertise in gallium arsenide (GaAs) and indium phosphide (InP) circuit design complements M/A-COM Tech’s existing CATV/broadcast and point-to-point/infrastructure businesses, and accelerates its penetration of the rapidly growing optical communications market.

M/A-COM Tech says that it is still reviewing the GigOptix complaint, but is aware of no wrongdoing on the part of M/A-COM Tech, Optomai or any of their employees in this regard, and accordingly believes that the GigOptix allegations are without merit.

“M/A-COM Tech has been pleased at the positive reaction optical networking customers have had to the Optomai acquisition, and remains committed to delivering M/A-COM Tech’s full portfolio of 40/100G modulator drivers and transimpedance amplifiers to its customers,” says Jihye Whang, director of strategic marketing. “We anticipate a just resolution of this matter through the legal process.”

No injunction has been issued by the court hearing the case to date, nor is one expected to be issued, says M/A-COM Tech. The Optomai product line remains available for sampling and production.

See related items:

GigOptix sues Optomai, former staff and M/A-COM

M/A-COM Tech buys modulator driver and TIA designer Optomai

Tags: GigOptix M/A-COM Tech

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