Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: ASML, Zeiss and Canon Cross-License Lithography Equipment Patent Portfolios

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Abstract:
ASML Holding NV (ASML) and Carl Zeiss SMT (Zeiss) today announce that each has signed an agreement with Canon Inc. (Canon) for the global cross-license of patents in their respective fields of semiconductor lithography and optical components, used to manufacture integrated circuits, or chips.

ASML, Zeiss and Canon Cross-License Lithography Equipment Patent Portfolios

VELDHOVEN, Netherlands & OBERKOCHEN, Germany | Posted on December 20th, 2007

ASML and Zeiss with their large current research and development efforts and resulting know how, welcome this agreement with Canon, with its substantial patent portfolio. There will be no transfer of technology, which means ASML and Zeiss will continue to compete with all players in the market on the basis of their capability to bring leading technologies to market.

The cross-license helps the three companies to compete more freely in the area relevant to their customers, which is technology expertise and implementation, rather than on intellectual property (IP) rights. ASML and Zeiss are strongly committed to investing in research and development and will continue their build-up of know how and IP.

The agreement means that the companies can market products based on technology covered by the other party's lithography equipment-related patents.

About Semiconductor Lithography

Semiconductor lithography is the process in which a substrate on a silicon wafer is exposed through a mask through optical or particle projection. ASML machines use this photographic process to image electronic circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, much like a camera prints an image on film. Lithography machines are critical to the production of integrated circuits or chips, and the main driver of the continuing miniaturization of electronic features on semiconductors.

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About ASML Holding NV
ASML is the world's leading provider of lithography systems for the semiconductor industry. Headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML. ASML has more than 6,400 employees, serving chip manufacturers in more than 60 locations in 15 countries. For more information, visit the web site: www.asml.com

About Carl Zeiss SMT AG:

With a wide-ranging product portfolio, Carl Zeiss SMT meets the requirements of the key processes involved in nanotechnology and microchip production, making it one of the leading direct and indirect suppliers to the semiconductor industry. As an innovation leader in the field of Lithography Optics and optical and electron beam-based inspection and measuring systems, Carl Zeiss SMT generates important momentum for further development in the chip industry and nanotechnology. Together with its subsidiaries at locations in Germany, UK, USA and France, the international group of companies employs a total workforce of some 1,900 people. For the latest fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, the company recorded Net Sales of EUR >860 Million. The stock corporation is a 100% subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG.

Visit www.smt.zeiss.com for additional information.

Forward Looking Statements

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: the matters discussed in this document may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: economic conditions, product demand and semiconductor equipment industry capacity, worldwide demand and manufacturing capacity utilization for semiconductors (the principal product of our customer base), competitive products and pricing, manufacturing efficiencies, new product development, ability to enforce patents, the outcome of intellectual property litigation, availability of raw materials and critical manufacturing equipment, trade environment, and other risks indicated in the risk factors included in ASML’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Contacts:
ASML Holding NV
Media Relations:
Lucas van Grinsven, +31 40 268 3949
Corporate Communications
Veldhoven, NL
or
Investor Relations:
Craig DeYoung, +1 480 383 4005
Tempe, Arizona, USA
or
Franki D’Hoore, +31 40 268 6494
Veldhoven, NL
or
Zeiss
Media Relations
Dagmar Ewert, + 49 73 64 20 2194
Marketing Communications
Oberkochen – Germany