Micron Scores Number 1 Spot for Technological Strength in Patents

BOISE, IDAHO - ipIQ, an independent technology analysis firm, recently ranked Micron Technology Inc. number one in the semiconductor industry in its 2006 Patent Scorecard, an annual industry-by-industry qualitative analysis measuring corporate innovation.

“Earning the number one spot on the ipIQ scorecard is a testament to Micron’s commitment to a culture that thrives on innovative thinking,” Micron Chief Operating Officer Mark Durcan, said in the company press on Wednesday. “Micron values the importance of maintaining a workplace environment that welcomes new ideas and allows employees to take risks that lead to innovation,” he continued.

Micron, the leading provider of CMOS image sensors and advanced memory products, is annually ranked among the top companies worldwide securing patents, as well as generating premium quality patents. As a whole, Micron has secured more than 15,500 issued patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office and other international patent offices.

In 2005, the company maintained its position in the top 10 for the sixth consecutive year for annual issuances by receiving 1,561 US issued patents. Furthermore, Micron obtains more issued patents per employee than any other company.

According to ipIQ, patent-based IP continues to be a driving force in determining not only corporate, but also regional and national economic success. The ipIQ Patent Scorecard tracks the United States patent portfolios of more than 2,500 of the world’s top technology firms, and the largest of the 15 industries it tracks is semiconductors with an average of more than 20,000 patents per year.