Harvard University has settled its patent infringement lawsuit against Samsung, dismissing the case and waiving its right to refile. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court in August, alleged that Samsung’s microprocessor production infringed on patented work by Harvard chemistry Professor Roy G. Gordon and his research team. Initially, Harvard sought royalty payments and damages, but the settlement terms, including any financial compensation, remain undisclosed. The university had granted Samsung an extension to respond to the lawsuit by January 31, but both parties resolved the deadline.
Harvard has previously taken legal action against technology companies such as Micron and GlobalFoundries over similar claims, with both cases settling in 2017 and 2018. Samsung has also faced patent infringement lawsuits from other universities, including the California Institute of Technology and the University of Connecticut, both filed in the same Texas court known for favoring plaintiffs in intellectual property disputes. While Caltech settled its case in 2023 under undisclosed terms, UConn’s lawsuit remains ongoing. With this settlement, Harvard’s case will not proceed to a jury trial. Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton stated that the University is pleased with the resolution but declined to comment on specific terms.
