OSAKA, JAPAN – Nihon Superior received a 2010 Intellectual Property Achievement Award from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry patent office.

Nihon received the award for “Enterprises Excelling in Patent Utilization.”

The award is presented to companies that actively contribute to the expansion and development of the Japanese industrial property rights system. The chief criterion for selection was the extent to which management had implemented strategies to develop IP and the use of R&D for that purpose.

For Nihon Superior, the reasons cited for the award were the firm’s prompt response to the EU RoHS Directive, avoiding price competition, maintaining ongoing activity to strengthen the patent and provide the basis for new patents, and investing in collaborative research at foreign universities. The use of licensing also was recognized.

HUNTSVILLE, AR – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has awarded EMS provider LaBarge a $3.5 million add-on contract to produce electronics assemblies for the Aegis Weapon System.

The Aegis Weapon System integrates AN/SPY-1 radar, Mk 41 Vertical Launching System and US Navy missiles with its own command and control system.

LaBarge has manufactured electronics assemblies for the Aegis program for more than a decade.

Production on this latest contract is expected to begin in May and continue through November.

TAIPEI -- Hon Hai (Foxconn) reported November non-consolidated revenues fell for the second straight month despite a 61% year-over-year jump in sales.

WASHINGTON -- The US Commerce Department seeks public input on a revised export control list.