Governance
Intel wins appeal as court overturns $2.18 billion VLSI patent infringement verdict
Intel wins appeal of VLSI patent.
Headline
Intel wins appeal of VLSI patent.
Context
In a significant legal development, the United States Federal Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the jury’s 2021 verdict that found Intel guilty of infringing on VLSI Technology patents. The court rejected the $2.18 billion compensation judgment against Intel, marking one of the largest cases in the history of U.S. patent law. According to the presiding judge, the case will be remanded to Texas for a fresh trial to determine the amount of compensation Intel should pay for allegedly infringing on a second VLSI patent.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
The initial ruling took place in March 2021 when the federal court in Texas determined that Intel had violated VLSI Technology patents, resulting in a staggering $2.18 billion in damages. VLSI claimed that Intel’s Cascade Lake and Skylake processors infringed on their patented technology related to data processing improvements. The patent in question was acquired by VLSI from NXP Semiconductors. Also read: Intel Drops Hightower Acquisition In a surprising turn of events in June of the same year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTAB) declared one of VLSI Technology’s patents invalid, relieving Intel of the $2.18 billion financial burden. It was revealed that these patents were initially granted to Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP) in 2012 and SigmaTel in 2010, with both companies later being acquired and the patents ultimately transferred to VLSI Technology LLC in 2019. Also read: Intel forges ahead with New Chip Innovation Center in Shenzhen amid escalating US-China tech battle
Key Points
- The U.S. Federal Circuit Court overturns Intel’s $2.18 billion VLSI patent infringement verdict.
- Texas retrial scheduled to determine compensation for a second patent infringement.
- Intel asserts VLSI’s patent holds “little value” in the upcoming legal proceedings.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
