!061494 Two GE diamond film patents are challenged Norton Diamond Film (Northboro, MA) filed a lawsuit against General Electric (Schenectady, NY) in April, seeking a judgment that two GE patents are invalid. Norton claims that the two patents, "Transparent Diamond Films and Method for Making Same" and "Substantially Transparent Free Standing Diamond Films", are based on prior art and were developed by researchers not at GE earlier than the patent issue dates of 1993 and 1993. GE has launched a licensing program that requires a $5 million initial payment and additional royalties of 15% based on net sales. ==================== I find interesting GE's demand for $5 million upfront and a 15% royalty. I guess diamond film technology is a big business, and GE's technology a real improvement. Greg Aharonian Internet Patent News Service