IMRA America, Inc. Celebrates Its 20-Year Anniversary
IMRA America, Inc. is celebrating its 20-year anniversary as a research and development company in the field of fiber lasers.
IMRA America was founded in 1990 by the one of the largest automotive suppliers, Aisin Group, Japan, expressly to develop technologies to benefit industry and society as a whole. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it accesses the University of Michigan as a source of high quality research employees, and is poised to serve the evolving U.S. auto industry. Scientists at IMRA America developed over 150 patented inventions during the last two decades, making IMRA America the worldwide leader in the advancement of ultra-fast fiber laser technology.
IMRA America's ultra-fast technologies are used for many purposes beyond the automobile industry, such as for LASIK surgery and micromachining. With over 240 additional inventions in patent-pending status or soon to be the subject of patent applications, IMRA's research efforts progress at a fast pace. IMRA President, Mr. Takashi Omitsu, expresses a deep confidence that when IMRA America's developments are fully recognized and used, they will provide significant benefits to societies throughout the world in further fulfillment of the research and development goals of IMRA America.
While IMRA America appropriately protects its award-winning fiber laser technology with patents, it actively offers licenses to all at reasonable rates to ensure widespread global use of, and benefit from, its contributions. IMRA has only been compelled to file suit for patent infringement on one occasion thus far. The pending patent infringement case against IPG Photonics, Inc,. of Oxford, Massachusetts, was filed in 2006 after IPG refused to accept an offer to license from IMRA. The case, in which IMRA seeks an injunction and reimbursement of over $40M in past damages, will be tried in Detroit this August.
With now 70 employees at the company's advanced, 54,000 square-foot facilities, IMRA America's growth has been focused in Ann Arbor. IMRA's expansion has been supported by Michigan state and local governments, including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. IMRA's recent 22,000 square-foot addition, which received a gold certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in environmental and energy design, marks its strong commitment to growth in Michigan and further break-through R&D contributions.
SOURCE: IMRA America, Inc.