AmberWave files suit against Intel

Mark LaPedus
EE Times
(07/18/2005 2:49 PM EDT)

SAN JOSE, Calif. — AmberWave Systems Corp. has filed a suit against Intel Corp., alleging that the chip giant infringed upon its strained-silicon patents.

The suit, filed in the federal district court in Marshall, Texas, alleges that Intel infringed U.S. Patent No. 6,881,632. In a separate action, AmberWave (Salem, N.H.) filed a counterclaim against Intel in the federal district court in Wilmington, Del., alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,831,292.

AmberWave's counterclaim follows on the heels of Intel's declaratory relief action, filed on May 25, seeking a determination that Intel does not infringe this same patent.

These suits involve two distinct techniques developed by AmberWave to increase the performance of semiconductor devices.

AmberWave contends that Intel is using these proprietary techniques as part of the strained silicon technology incorporated in its top-of-the-line 90-nm Pentium microprocessors, according to the company. This technology is critical to enabling Intel to continue its historical pace of microprocessor performance enhancement.

The litigation arose after Intel refused to negotiate a commercially reasonable license agreement with AmberWave. "As an engineering firm, we are very proud of the significant advances offered by our patent-protected technologies," noted AmberWave CEO Richard Faubert, in a statement.

"Because Intel has been using these proprietary technologies without a license from AmberWave," Faubert added, "we have no choice but to defend our intellectual property rights."

About AmberWave Systems
Founded in 1998, AmberWave Systems has become a leader in the research, development and licensing of advanced technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. By funding and guiding university research, AmberWave Systems is bringing new technology developments to fruition through patents and technology licensing. In conjunction with its university research projects, AmberWave Systems conducts its own research, development and limited manufacturing in its semiconductor fabrication facility in Salem, New Hampshire. In addition, AmberWave Systems collaborates with other technology focused companies to further expand and develop its research. For more information about the company, please visit its Web site at www.amberwave.com.