Photo: Murata Manufacturing

Japanese electronic components manufacturer Murata has initiated patent enforcement action against another of its Chinese competitors, as per an announcement made by the China National Intellectual Property Administration(CNIPA).

On December 2, the CNIPA revealed in its oral hearing announcement that Maxscend Microelectronics Co., Ltd. has filed an invalidation challenge against Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s invention patent ZL201610512603.9, entitled “elastic wave device”. The oral hearing for this case is scheduled for December 17.

Grant by the CNIPA in 2019, This patent primarily pertains to an elastic wave device used in resonators or band-pass filters and its manufacturing method.

Details about the dispute between the two parties have not been disclosed. However, it is speculated that Murata has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Maxscend, seeking to prohibit the sale of infringing products related to filters.

Founded in 2006, Maxscend is a publicly listed Chinese semiconductor design company that manufactures integrated circuits in the field of radio frequency (RF). It focuses on RF front end design for RF switches, RF low-noise amplifiers and RF filters.

Murata, a leading Japanese manufacturer of electronic components, specializes in ceramic passive electronic components. The company holds a majority market share globally in ceramic filters, high-frequency parts, and sensors.

In recent years, Murata has been very active in its patent enforcement activities in China.

In January 2021, Murata filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court against Wuxi, Jiangsu-based Shoulder Electronics Limited, a move that eventually hindered Shoulder Electronics' STAR Market IPO.

As per an announcement in August 2024, Murata has also sued Shenzhen Sunlord Electronics Co., Ltd. in the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court, alleging infringement of five patents. The related cases are still ongoing.