Ferrofluidics Corporation v. Advanced Vacuum Components, inc.s.

CYR, Circuit Judge.

Plaintiff Ferrofluidics Corporation (Fer-ro) is a Massachusetts corporation which has its principal place of business in New Hampshire. Ferro developed, and now makes and markets, an item called a magnetic fluid rotary seal for use in the manufacture of semiconductor chips. The magnetic fluid rotary seal is a state-of-the-art gadget, and Ferro invests upwards of a million dollars a year to refine the technology and diversify its applications. Ferro dominates the American market, accounting for about ninety-five percent of the magnetic fluid rotary seals sold in the United…