ST. LOUIS – Viasystems Group today announced fourth-quarter net sales fell 11.1% year-over-year, but increased 8.5% sequentially to $131.4 million on stronger demand in automotive, telecommunications and computer/datacom.

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TOKYO – Japan-based semiconductor equipment manufacturers posted ￥85.1 billion in orders in January on a three-month average basis, up a staggering 237.4% year-over-year, and 9.9% sequentially, says the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan.

Japanese manufacturers posted a book-to-bill of 1.36, says SEAJ. A ratio of 1.36 means ¥136 worth of orders was received for every ¥100 of product billed for the month. A ratio over 1.0 is considered a sign of a growing industry.

January billings were ¥62.5 billion, up 36.4% year-over-year, and up 4.9% sequentially.

US$1 = ¥90.205

WASHINGTON, DC – The Global IP Center is pushing the US Congress to enact a series of IP protection measures this year, including anti-counterfeiting and trademark protection.

For 2010, the center supports passage of the Customs Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2009, in an effort to stop the flow of counterfeit goods into the US.

The GIPC also promotes the conclusion of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. And it seeks a Department of Justice task force to protect Internet IP and shut down rogue websites.

Founded by the US Chamber of Commerce, the GIPC urges Congress to pass legislation that enhances the US ability to engage effectively with countries that fail to enforce the rights of American innovators or live up to their international IP obligations, including an action plan for Priority Watch List countries.

It encourages the Obama Administration to engage India and China in strengthening their protection and enforcement of IP rights, and urges Congress to maintain a robust level of funding for IP enforcement activities, while planning for funding in 2011.

The center also encourages the government to continue to defend international IP rights by approving trade agreements.

HARTLEPOOL, UK – Stadium Electronics said it expects annual profits before tax to be about £2.5 million, up 15% over the previous consensus outlook.

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