DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Rambus Inc. (RMBS) said the U.S. International Trade Comission
rejected its patent-infringement claims against a slew of chip
makers, dealing the technology licensor a new setback.
In his initial determination, ITC administrative law judge
Theodore R. Essex said technology offered by LSI Corp. (LSI),
MediaTek Inc. (2454.TW), STMicroelectronics NV (STM, STM.MI) and
other semiconductor companies did not violate patents held by
Rambus, potentially depriving the technology company of new
revenue.
Rambus licenses patented technology that is used to accelerate
the performance of memory chips. The company on Monday disclosed
Chief Executive Harold Hughes's plans to retire, opening up a new
search for his successor.
Rambus filed the patent complaints in 2010, accusing a series of
chip makers of violating several patents that cover computer-port
interfaces and controllers for memory chips.
The company said a previous decision by Essex found Nvidia Corp.
(NVDA) infringed on three of its memory-controller patents, which
led to a five-year licensing deal reached last month. Terms of that
agreement were not disclosed.
Rambus on Friday said it has the right to ask for a review of
the latest decision.
"We have yet to receive the decision, but are disappointed with
the initial determination of no violation," Rambus general counsel
Thomas Lavell said. "We believe in the strength of our portfolio
and remain committed to protecting our patented inventions from
unlicensed use."
Shares were recently off 1.8% at $6.69 after hours. The stock
was off 67% over the past year through Friday's close.
-By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909;
andrew.fitzgerald@dowjones.com