At the first lead free solder conference in MN we all learned that there are many patents issued to the tin/silver/copper and other lead free alloys.

Can any vendor manufacture the Japanese adopted alloy  96.5Sn/3.0Ag/0.5Cu and the  NEMI alloy 95.5/3.9/0.6Cu for commercial purposes? As an independent entity, NEMI has conducted extensive studies on tin/Ag/Cu and I was under the impression that any commercial company could freely market both of these alloys. Apparently, the SAC alloy promoted in Japan does not have any patent either.

Any comments?


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