In the Kilby vs. Noyce case, which pitted Texas Instruments against Fairchild Semiconductors over the first patent on integrated circuits, begun in 1959, the patent was granted to Kilby and his priority was recognized. Then, in February 1967, the final verdict confirmed this position. Fairchild then appealed, and the court concluded in November 1969 that Noyce was in favor. Texas appealed to the Supreme Court, which declined to hear the case. Ultimately, however, the integrated circuit market was so vast and advanced compared to the original patent that the two companies agreed to grant each other cross-licenses.
