SMIC consults lawyers over TSMC lawsuit

SHANGHAI, China -- Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) said Thursday (December 25, 2003) that it is consulting with legal advisors concerning a lawsuit filed in California by TSMC against for patent infringement and trade secret misappropriation, and had no further comment regarding the suit at this time.

But SMIC added that it respected and valued intellectual property rights and honors and protects the IP rights contained in the designs and products of customers, seemingly a rebuff to TSMC.

SMIC said in its statement: "SMIC believes in fair competition and firmly supports the belief that the worldwide markets as well as China market should be accessible by all companies," SMIC said in a statement it said was in direct response to the lawsuit.

"Any form of artificial or unfair restrictions should not be imposed on such fair competition," it added.

SMIC said it also believes in resolving disagreements through active dialogues and sincere communications.