Broadcom Files Papers in Patent Dispute

Broadcom Corp., accused of improperly using National Semiconductor Corp.’s patented technology, filed court papers claiming it’s the one whose patents were infringed.

Broadcom, the biggest maker of cable-modem chips, contends that National Semiconductor, based in Santa Clara, Calif., stole technology related to Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet products, according to court documents. Broadcom made the allegation in a court filing in National Semiconductor’s suit against Broadcom.

In May, National Semiconductor, which makes semiconductors for cell phones and personal computers, filed a federal lawsuit in Sacramento, accusing Broadcom of making and selling microchips that infringed its patents related to modems, servers and other networking equipment. Broadcom, based in Irvine, said it didn’t believe the National Semiconductor patents applied to current Broadcom products.

Broadcom is seeking damages and a court order blocking National Semiconductor from selling any infringing products.

Officials with Broadcom and National Semiconductor couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Broadcom shares rose 25 cents to $19.77 on Nasdaq, while National Semiconductor shares rose 56 cents to $20.95 on the NYSE, before news of the suit was released.