Verteq Wins Patent Infringement Suit

A Pennsylvania company infringed on three patents held by Verteq Inc., a privately held Santa Ana company, a U.S. District judge has ruled. Judge Gary Taylor in Santa Ana said Thursday that two of SubMicron Systems Corp.’s products violated the patents held by Verteq. Both companies make equipment used to sterilize “clean rooms” where computer chips are made. “We have invested significant money and effort developing Megasonic cleaning technology and our leadership position therein, and the very favorable decision on our behalf rewards us for our efforts,” Keith Norby, chairman and chief executive of Verteq, said. Officials at SubMicron’s Allentown, Pa., headquarters could not be reached for comment. Verteq filed a lawsuit against SubMicron in June, 1992, Norby said. Financial compensation to be awarded to Verteq will be determined in an upcoming trial, he said. With manufacturing operations in Santa Ana and Corvallis, Ore., Verteq employs about 290 people. It sells equipment to semiconductor manufacturers, including giant chip maker Intel Corp. and Motorola Inc.