The protracted patent dispute over 3D NAND technology between Micron and Yangtze Memory, which has been simmering for nearly three years, has once again flared up. Recently, Micron initiated legal proceedings against Yangtze Memory in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. The core of Micron's accusation lies in Yangtze Memory's alleged acquisition of 3D NAND manufacturing know-how and trade secrets through the recruitment of former Micron engineers, subsequently integrating these elements into its own product lineup and patent strategy development. Micron further asserts that Yangtze Memory has leveraged certain patents—partially filed by these ex-Micron personnel—to launch counterclaims of patent infringement against Micron in the United States and various other countries and regions.

Earlier, on September 18 (local time), the 7th Civil Chamber of the Munich I Regional Court in Germany rendered decisions in two cases from Yangtze Memory's series of patent infringement lawsuits against Micron. The court ruled that Micron had infringed upon two German utility model patents owned by Yangtze Memory and issued a preliminary injunction mandating Micron to halt the sale of the infringing products in Germany. This ruling represents Yangtze Memory's first substantive injunction victory on the global stage since the full-blown patent conflict between the two entities erupted in November 2023.