Intel secure victory in significant jury decision in $3 billion patent dispute with VLSI - verdict casts doubt on previous patent judgments
Revised Article:
Hey there! Let's dive into the latest twist in the Intel versus VLSI Technology saga. This week, a Texas jury decided that Fortress Investment Group wields the reins for VLSI tech, a move that could potentially rock the $3 billion patent infringement payment boat for Intel.
Intel's got a bone to pick, claiming that since Fortress also owns Finjan (remember that 2012 patent licensing agreement?), this baby should cover VLSI too. VLSI, the patent infringement accuser, Countered that they weren't even around when that license was signed.
You might recall that VLSI slapped Intel with numerous lawsuits, alleging patent infringements across multiple US courts, mostly stemming from Freescale, SigmaTel, and NXP. In one of the trials held in Waco, Texas, in 2021, VLSI won a whopping $2.18 billion, but alas, the verdict was overturned by an appeals court and sent back for another round. A year later, another trial in Austin ended in a $949 million win for VLSI, a decision that Intel's still appealing, as it challenges the licensing issue.
During the latest trial in Austin, the focus was squarely on Fortress's control over both Finjan and VLSI. While Intel pushed for 'common control,' VLSI held firm, asserting independence and operation beyond the terms of the earlier licensing agreement.
With Fortress now deemed the big kahuna for both Finjan and VLSI, Intel's got its eyes on getting back both awards.
Intel and Apple beforetime called out VLSI for its alleged unlawful patent hoarding, aiming to get patent licensing fees from actual CPU designers. Intel also alleged that VLSI's intricate ownership game lets its investors cash in from litigation while keeping a low profile in court and the public eye. At the time, Fortress was under SoftBank, Arm's parent company. But these days, Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company owns a majority stake in Fortress.
Stay tuned to Tom's Hardware News for more updates on this intriguing battle! And don't forget to hit the follow button on Google News to keep our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds!
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- This latest development in the Intel versus VLSI Technology saga could potentially impact the finance sector, as Intel is challenging the patent licensing agreement between Fortress Investment Group, which holds stakes in Finjan and VLSI Technology, in relation to a $3 billion patent infringement payment.
- The ongoing dispute between Intel and VLSI Technology, involving multiple business entities, extends beyond the courts and into the realm of technology, as the issue of common control over Finjan and VLSI is being contested, ultimately influencing the technological landscape and potential patent royalty streams.
