Knowles Seeks Patent Import Ban of Microphones for Cellphones

Knowles Electronics filed a petition for a Section 337 patent investigation June 21, seeking to ban imports of silicon microphone packages by Goertek that infringe its patents. The products at issue are silicon microphones that include a Micro-Electric-Mechanic System (MEMS) microphone die encased within a surface-mountable package. Unlike other types of microphones, silicon microphone packages can withstand the heat of the soldering associated with high-speed manufacturing processes, the petition said. The microphones packages are used in consumer electronic products like cellphones, notebooks, headsets, and digital cameras made by companies such as Samsung, Apple, Motorola and HTC. Knowles alleges that Goertek is manufacturing and importing into the U.S. silicon microphone packages that infringe its imports, and is seeking limited exclusion and cease and desist orders.