March 13, 2008

MEI files Suit Regarding Copyright Infringement Against Integral Applied Technology (IAT) and Gustavo Martinez

ALBANY, Oregon — MEI, LLC, a leading provider of semiconductor equipment and services, including wet process systems, automation software and related service and support, has filed a lawsuit against INTEGRAL APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, INC. (“IAT”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.  The suit alleges copyright infringement, improper circumvention of copy-protection technology, and providing false copyright management information. As relief, the complaint seeks an award of compensatory and statutory damages, attorney fees, and an injunction barring the unauthorized use, copying, and distribution of MEI’s copyrighted works by IAT.

The lawsuit (Civil Case No. 08-6046 AA, filed February 8, 2008), names IAT, a Pennsylvania corporation, and owner, Gustavo Martinez, as the defendants. According to the lawsuit, at least one unauthorized copy of MEI’s IDX automation software was installed and used on a system sold to a third party.  Additionally, the suit claims that IAT knowingly and willfully circumvented copy protection technology to enable this infringement.

IAT and Gustavo Martinez had previously paid for and obtained several authorized copies of MEI’s IDX automation software.  Upon notification that MEI would no longer provide IAT with IDX software, IAT apparently chose to use illegally copied software on additional equipment sold to one of its customers. In so doing, they circumvented digital key copy protections.  

MEI’s IDX robotics automation software is a highly configurable, object-oriented platform used in a variety of automation systems. It was designed from the ground up to specifically address the need for robotics automation for semiconductor process equipment, including wet benches for cleaning, stripping and etching silicon wafers. It is SECs/GEM compliant and runs on the Windows platform with a touch screen interface.  MEI’s IDX Automation software substantially includes MEI’s copyrighted IDX Flexware software, United States Copyright Registration No. TX 6-820-166.  

Dan Cappello, president of MEI, stated, “We’re proud of our reputation for excellence, both in our products and in our services, and because IDX automation software is an invaluable tool for process automation management within a very competitive market, we need to make sure that all installations are operating fairly and that the use of our software is restricted to authorized systems.  We will enforce copyright wherever necessary to protect this valuable asset.”

MEI, LLC  is based in Albany, Oregon.

About MEI, LLC

MEI is a diversified manufacturing and service company serving the semiconductor and high technology industries. The company’s specialties include wet process systems and services; IDX automation software; chemical handling, mixing and delivery,  industrial and process equipment moving, rigging and crating services; clean room safety, ergonomic and support equipment; as well as a variety of manufacturing services, including machine, metal and plastic fabrication and powder coating. MEI has built its reputation upon a passion for outstanding customer service since 1990. For more information about MEI, visit www.meillc.com, or call 1.877.858.3270

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MEI, LLC.
3474 18th Avenue SE
Albany, OR 97322

Press Contact 
Dan Cappello
Dan.Cappello@MEIllc.com
541.704.2427