PLANO, Texas, March 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dallas technology-focused law firm Munck
Wilson Mandala is announcing a $58.7
million trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract,
patent infringement and tortious interference verdict for firm
client Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions Inc. (TAOS) in the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of Texas.
Following the four-week trial, federal jurors on Friday found
that Milpitas, Calif.-based
Intersil Corp. (Nasdaq: ISIL) used TAOS' patented technology for dual-diode
ambient light sensors without consent. The jury also found that
Intersil misappropriated TAOS'
trade secrets in order to obtain a competitive advantage.
TAOS prevailed in all the
company's claims against Intersil, including misappropriation of
trade secrets, breach of contract, tortious interference and patent
infringement. The verdict includes $48.7
million in damages for trade secret misappropriation and
$10 million in punitive damages for
both trade secret misappropriation and for tortious
interference.
The case is Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions Inc. v
Intersil Corp., No. 4:08-CV-451.
In 2002, TAOS patented its
dual-diode ambient light sensor technology, which allows flat panel
video displays to adjust brightness based on surrounding ambient
light levels. The technology allows electronic devices to extend
battery life and provide optimum viewing in diverse lighting
conditions. The patent is U.S. Patent No. 6,596,981.
Intersil sought to purchase TAOS in 2004 as a way to quickly enter the
light-sensor market, according to trial testimony. Jurors heard how
the two companies executed non-disclosure agreements in advance of
a potential merger or acquisition, and how TAOS officials shared details about the
technology and competitive trade secrets, including vendor
information and proprietary pricing details. According to the
lawsuit, Intersil did not make a reasonable offer to acquire
TAOS, and the two companies parted
ways.
"Intersil had the opportunity and ability to buy TAOS but instead chose to embark on a course
of conduct that involved lying, cheating and stealing," said the
company's lead trial attorney Jamil Alibhai in closing
arguments.
Less than a year after the acquisition talks ended, Intersil
introduced a competing light-sensor product by using the same
technology learned from TAOS. The
jury also heard how Intersil used TAOS' confidential pricing information to
undercut TAOS and win supply
contracts for the second-generation iPhone 3G and iPod Touch.
"This verdict is the result of a team effort over seven years of
litigation, and it really demonstrates our firm's technical
expertise and complex litigation skills," says Munck Wilson Mandala
trial team lawyer Michael McCabe. "We're proud to be able to
represent technology clients like TAOS Inc. by helping protect their
innovations."
In addition to Mr. Alibhai and Mr. McCabe, the Munck Wilson
Mandala team included fellow firm attorneys Michael Wilson, Kelly
Chen, Robert McCutcheon, Jessica Spaniol and Jordan Strauss.
Munck Wilson Mandala is a technology-focused law firm with
offices in Dallas and Marshall, Texas, with an emphasis on patent,
trade secret and other intellectual property disputes. The firm
offers full-service counsel in the areas of intellectual property
litigation, complex commercial litigation, intellectual property
portfolio development, corporate transactions and securities, and
employment law. Munck Wilson Mandala represents clients from
start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. Learn more about the firm at
http://www.munckwilson.com.
For more information on the verdict, please contact
Robert Tharp at 214-458-4007
or robert@androvett.com.
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SOURCE Munck Wilson Mandala