Shares of Rambus soared 11 percent before the market opened Tuesday after the chip maker said the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled against a rival using its patented technology.
Rambus said late Monday that the commission plans to issue an order that would mean computer graphics chip maker Nvidia Corp. and other manufacturers can no longer import or sell products containing the technology.
The commission ruled in April that Nvidia’s technology infringes on several of Rambus’ patents. Its final determination has not yet been published.
In 2008, Rambus filed a complaint against Nvidia, as well as Hewlett-Packard Co., Asus Computer International Inc. and other manufacturers.
Rambus argued that Nvidia chips infringe on its patents related to the workings of memory systems in computers, gaming consoles and mobile devices.
Nvidia has said that the ruling won’t affect its business because it plans to use a license the European Commission required Rambus to make available as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation.
Nvidia said it plans to appeal the case and argue its side before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Shares of Rambus Inc., based in Los Altos, Calif., rose by $2.14, or 10.9 percent, to $21.73 in pre-market trading.
source: businessweek.com
