Acquisition of patent applications and associated know-how for intellectual property related to atom-beam lithography for use in advanced chip manufacturing processes from University Birmingham by Lace Lithography AS
Published 5 August 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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1. Following a detailed national security assessment, a Final Order was made pursuant to section 26 of the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (“the Act”), which comes into force on 5 August 2026.
2. The Parties who are subject to the order are:
i. The University of Birmingham; and
ii. Lace Lithography AS;
iii. together with any subsidiary, controlled entity or affiliate of the parties.
3. The acquisition of patent applications and associated know-how for intellectual property related to atom-beam lithography for use in advanced chip manufacturing processes from University Birmingham by Lace Lithography AS (“the Acquisition”) is a trigger event under section 9(1)b of the Act.
4. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, on behalf of the Secretary of State, has approved the Acquisition, subject to the condition that Lace Lithography AS meet certain notification requirements related to the exercising of rights under the Licence Agreement.
5. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, on behalf of the Secretary of State, considers that the measures contained within the final order are necessary and proportionate to remedy, prevent or mitigate the risks to national security relating to the security of intellectual property related to advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.