BridgeLux Countersues Cree for Patent Infringement

BridgeLux Inc. announced it has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed against it by LED maker Cree Inc. and Boston University on Sept. 12 (See "Cree Files Suit Against BridgeLux for Patent Infringement") alleging infringement of US Patent Numbers 6,657,236 ('236 patent) and 5,686,738 ('738 patent). Cree's '236 patent, entitled "Enhanced Light Extraction in LEDs through the Use of Internal and External Optical Elements," relates to light extraction structures used in LEDs. The '738 patent, entitled "Highly Insulating Monocrystalline Gallium Nitride Thin Films," relates to semiconductor devices manufactured using a gallium nitride-based buffer technology. BridgeLux said it is not infringing those patents and announced it is suing Cree and BU for infringing on BridgeLux's US Patent 6,869,812. Located in Sunnyvale, Calif., BridgeLux, formerly eLite Optoelectronics, is a supplier of LED chips for solid-state lighting.