Cree Expands Patent Litigation Against BridgeLux With Additional Patents.

DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cree, Inc. , a leader in LED solid-state lighting components, today announced that it has expanded its patent litigation against BridgeLux (formerly eLite Optoelectronics) with claims of infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,614,056 ("the '056 patent") and 6,885,036 ("the '036 patent"). These claims are in addition to the previously filed claims based on Cree's U.S. Patent No. 6,657,236 as well as U.S. Patent No. 5,686,738.

Cree's '056 and '036 patents, which are both entitled "Scalable LED With Improved Current Spreading Structures," relate to contact structures in light- emitting diodes with improved current spreading. Cree added these patents in a counterclaim responding to BridgeLux's complaint filed in the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In the counterclaim, in addition to seeking an injunction to stop BridgeLux's on-going infringement, Cree has also requested a declaration that BridgeLux's sole patent-at-issue is invalid over Cree's earlier '056 and '036 patents. The counterclaim also seeks a declaration that BridgeLux's patent is not infringed and unenforceable due to fraud and/or inequitable conduct committed before the Patent Office. A trial date has yet to be set.

About Cree, Inc.

Cree is a market-leading innovator and manufacturer of semiconductors and devices that enhance the value of solid-state lighting, power and communications products by significantly increasing their energy performance and efficiency. Key to Cree's market advantage is its world-class materials expertise in silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for chips and packaged devices that can handle more power in a smaller space while producing less heat than other available technologies, materials and products.