New Focus, Photonetics Settle Lawsuit

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 7 -- New Focus Inc., a provider of photonics and microwave solutions, today announced that it has settled a patent infringement lawsuit related to the design of tunable lasers filed against the company in July 2001 by Photonetics Inc. and Photonetics S.A., a French developer of photonics-based instruments and components.

New Focus had filed counterclaims against Photonetics Inc. and Photonetics S.A. in September 2001 that charged Photonetics with the infringement of two US patents related to New Focus' proprietary external cavity laser technology.

Under the terms of the settlement, New Focus has obtained a license to two patents held by Photonetics, and Photonetics has obtained a license to two patents held by New Focus. Further details on the settlement were not available.

For more information, visit: www.newfocus.com