Applied Optoelectronics Filed a Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Accelight Technologies, Inc. (ATI)

Rhea-AI Summary

Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Accelight Technologies (ATI) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on December 13, 2024. The complaint alleges that several ATI products, including 100G QSFP28 LR4, 400G QSFP-DD SR8, and other optical transceiver models, infringe on AAOI's patents. The company is pursuing monetary damages and a permanent injunction against ATI. AAOI's CEO, Dr. Thompson Lin, emphasized the company's significant investment in R&D and commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights.

Positive

• Legal action to protect valuable intellectual property assets
• Potential for monetary compensation if lawsuit succeeds
• Possible market advantage through injunction against competitor

Negative

• Legal costs associated with patent litigation
• Uncertain outcome of the lawsuit
• Time and resources required for legal proceedings

Insights

Legal Expert

This patent infringement lawsuit against Accelight Technologies targets multiple high-speed optical transceiver products and could have significant implications. The case focuses on critical technologies in the data center interconnect market, including 100G and 400G transceivers. The pursuit of both monetary damages and a permanent injunction demonstrates AOI's aggressive stance in protecting its IP portfolio. If successful, this legal action could potentially block ATI from selling these products in the U.S. market and secure substantial damages. Patent litigation in the optical communications sector typically takes 18-24 months to resolve and the Northern District of California is known for its expertise in handling complex technology patent cases. The outcome could strengthen AOI's market position and validate their R&D investments.

Tech Expert

The lawsuit covers strategically important optical transceiver products, particularly in the high-growth 400G segment where market competition is intensifying. The disputed products - QSFP28 and QSFP-DD form factors - represent key revenue generators in the data center interconnect market. These components are essential for hyperscale data centers and cloud computing infrastructure. The technical scope spans various transmission formats including LR4, SR8, CWDM4, FR4 and DR4, indicating a broad patent portfolio covering multiple aspects of optical transceiver design. This legal action suggests AOI is positioning itself to defend market share in the rapidly expanding high-speed optical interconnect space.

SUGAR LAND, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (“AOI”) (Nasdaq: AAOI), a leading provider of fiber-optic access network products for the internet datacenter, cable broadband, telecom and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets, today announced that it has filed a complaint for patent infringement against Accelight Technologies, Inc. (ATI) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Case No.: 3:24-cv-09041.

The complaint, filed December 13, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that at least the ATI 100G QSFP28 LR4, ATI 400G QSFP-DD SR8, ATI 100G QSFP28 CWDM4, ATI 400G QSFP-DD FR4, and ATI 400G QSFP-DD DR4 infringe one or more of the asserted Applied Optoelectronic, Inc. (AOI) optical transceiver patents.

“AOI filed this lawsuit because we believe ATI is infringing several of our key optical transceiver patents. AOI has invested significantly in research and development and will continue to enforce its IP rights against alleged infringers to protect those rights,” said Dr. Thompson Lin, Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.

In the complaint, AOI is seeking monetary damages from ATI and a permanent injunction.

About Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical products, including components, modules and equipment. AOI's products are the building blocks for broadband fiber access networks around the world, where they are used in the internet datacenter, CATV broadband, telecom and FTTH markets. AOI supplies optical networking lasers, components and equipment to tier-1 customers in all four of these markets. In addition to its corporate headquarters, wafer fab and advanced engineering and production facilities in Sugar Land, TX, AOI has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China. For additional information, visit www.ao-inc.com.

Investor Relations Contact:

The Blueshirt Group, Investor Relations
Monica Gould
+1-212-871-3927
ir@ao-inc.com

Cassidy Fuller
+1-415-217-4968
ir@ao-inc.com

FAQ

What patents did AAOI claim were infringed by Accelight Technologies?

The lawsuit alleges infringement of AAOI's optical transceiver patents by ATI's products including 100G QSFP28 LR4, 400G QSFP-DD SR8, 100G QSFP28 CWDM4, 400G QSFP-DD FR4, and 400G QSFP-DD DR4.

When did AAOI file the patent infringement lawsuit against ATI?

AAOI filed the patent infringement lawsuit against ATI on December 13, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

What remedies is AAOI seeking in its patent lawsuit against ATI?

AAOI is seeking monetary damages and a permanent injunction against ATI in the patent infringement lawsuit.

Which specific ATI products are involved in AAOI's patent infringement claim?

The lawsuit involves ATI's 100G QSFP28 LR4, 400G QSFP-DD SR8, 100G QSFP28 CWDM4, 400G QSFP-DD FR4, and 400G QSFP-DD DR4 products.