The battle between Siemens and LG Semicon was racked up a further notch yesterday when the German semiconductor firm accused the South Korean manufacturer of infringing its DRAM patents. Reports said that Siemens sued LG Semicon over seven patents and accused the South Korean manufacturer of manufacturing and designing DRAM products which infringed its technology. The action was taken in a district court in Delaware and seeks both an injunction against LG Semicon to prevent it from making and selling the DRAMs which allegedly breach its patents. In early August, Siemens CEO hit out at South Korean manufacturers for dumping products on the market, forcing it to close its state-of-the-art DRAM factory. At the time, newly appointed DTI minister Peter Mandelson backed up the complaint. But last week, the head of the Korean semiconductor association hit out at Siemens for the accusation. A representative for Siemens in Tyneside said she was unaware of the US action and did not know whether or not the action would be repeated here in Europe. ®