GlobalFoundries Files Lawsuits Against Tower Semiconductor Over Patent Infringement
Overview of the Legal Dispute and Industry Context
SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, 2026 (Reuters) – GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) has filed lawsuits against Israel-based Tower Semiconductor, alleging patent infringement related to the manufacturing of chips used in smartphones and other electronic devices [1]. The legal actions aim to protect GlobalFoundries’ investments in research and development and address what it describes as unfair competition.
Details of the Lawsuit
Legal Actions Taken
GlobalFoundries has filed complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) [2]. The ITC case seeks to block the import into the U.S. Of chips made by Tower Semiconductor that utilize technologies covered by the 11 patents in question [2].
Industry Background
Specialty Chipmakers and Market Focus
GlobalFoundries and Tower Semiconductor are both specialty chipmakers, focusing on niche markets such as radio-frequency chips and silicon photonics, rather than competing directly with large manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. And Intel in the production of the fastest and smallest computing chips [1]. GlobalFoundries announced plans last year to invest $16 billion to expand its facilities in Vermont and New York, with a strong emphasis on research and development [1].
According to GlobalFoundries, Tower Semiconductor is unlawfully exploiting its patented manufacturing process technologies without making the necessary long-term investments in research and development [2]. Gregg Bartlett, chief technology officer at GF, stated that companies attempting to benefit from patented technologies without proper investment undermine fair competition and the integrity of the semiconductor ecosystem [2].
GlobalFoundries’ intellectual property portfolio consists of over 8,000 patents, compared to Tower’s fewer than 500 [3].
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