Japan's Nikon sues ASML, Zeiss over chip-making technology

"The continued unauthorized use of Nikon's patented technology by ASML and Zeiss has given Nikon no alternative but to enforce its legal rights in the courts of law," the Tokyo-based company said in a statement.

Nikon pioneered the immersion lithography technology used to make semiconductors for smartphones, memory chips and other products.

Nikon makes digital cameras and other camera-related products, binoculars and industrial precision equipment, among other devices.