Kuo Ching and Brooks Sign Technology Licensing Agreement for Wafer Carrier Cleaning Equipment

(CNA) Printed circuit board equipment manufacturer Kuo Ching Industrial's board of directors approved a technology licensing agreement with international semiconductor equipment supplier Brooks Automation today. Kuo Ching will grant Brooks exclusive worldwide rights, and the two companies will combine their technological and manufacturing capabilities to promote the development and application of semiconductor wafer carrier (FOUP) cleaning equipment in the global market.

Semiconductor wafer carriers are containers used in wafer fabs to isolate fragile wafers from external contamination and safely transport them between machines.

According to the agreement, the one-time licensing fee totals US$16 million (approximately NT$510 million). Kuo Ching anticipates this will form a continuous revenue stream after the licensed products meet the agreement's specified conditions.

Kuo Ching stated that the technology licensing agreement is expected to be effective for 15 years from the date of signing by both parties on June 30. During the licensing period, the company retains ownership of the technology and reserves rights related to the advanced packaging market. The one-time licensing fee totals US$16 million and will be collected in stages after the licensed products meet the agreed-upon conditions, as stipulated in the contract. Additionally, royalties will be collected per unit for subsequent sales of the licensed products. This is an exclusive license and includes provisions for non-competition, technology protection (technology escrow), and termination clauses.

Kuo Ching and Brooks will jointly hold a press conference and signing ceremony for their semiconductor technology localization innovation strategic alliance on the 30th.

Kuo Ching announced in a major news release today that this is a long-term strategic partnership focused on the mutual interests of both parties. Through this collaboration, Kuo Ching's innovative technology will be combined with Brooks' global expertise in technology, manufacturing, and scaling to jointly accelerate product commercialization and enhance its application value in the global market.

For Kuo Ching, the value of this collaboration lies not only in the continuous revenue stream it will generate but also in accelerating its global expansion and establishing a long-term relationship of mutual trust. For Brooks, this will enhance its ability to exceed customer expectations in Taiwan and rapidly extend this value globally.

Kuo Ching Chairman Wu Ming-chih stated that this collaboration is a significant milestone in the international recognition of Kuo Ching's independent technology. He expressed Kuo Ching's pleasure in joining forces with Brooks, combining their respective strengths in technology and the global market to bring leading cleaning equipment technology to the world. He also looks forward to deepening the localization of semiconductor technology innovation through this long-term partnership, creating long-term value for the industry and shareholders. (Editor: Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150629

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