Harvard University has sued Samsung Electronics in a Texas federal court, accusing the Korean tech giant of violating its patent rights related to chip manufacturing technology.
Harvard’s lawsuit, filed on Monday, alleges that Samsung’s methods for manufacturing microprocessors and memory products infringe on two patents from Harvard chemistry professor Roy Gordon.
Samsung’s spokespeople have not responded to requests for comment on the complaint, and a Harvard spokesperson also declined to comment.
The lawsuit asserts that Harvard’s inventions cover “novel processes and materials for deposition of thin films that contain cobalt or tungsten metals.” These processes are “essential to key components of numerous products such as computers and cell phones.” Harvard claims that Samsung uses these patented processes to manufacture smartphone microprocessors and memory chips.
Harvard seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages and an order blocking Samsung from infringing on the patents.
The case, President and Fellows of Harvard College v. Samsung Electronics Co, is filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, No. 2:24-cv-00636.
Representing Harvard are William Belanger, Maia Harris, Gregory Len, and Griffin Mesmer of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders.
