Nvidia: US Patent Office Rejects Rambus Claims

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Nvidia Corp. said Tuesday the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has rejected 41 claims against the chip maker brought by Rambus Inc., a company that licenses semiconductor technology.

But the decision is not binding on the International Trade Commission, where Rambus brought a complaint in November of last year asserting Nvidia was violating its patents, Nvidia spokesman Hector Marinez said.

Nvidia said the patent office's decision covers seven separate Rambus patents on graphics processors and related chips. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company expects a ruling from the patent office on two additional patents within the next 60 days.

In a statement, Los Altos, Calif.-based Rambus said Nvidia's claims with the U.S. patent office "are without merit." Rambus said it will have the opportunity to respond to the patent office and plans to do so within "the required schedule."

Meanwhile, an ITC investigation of Rambus's infringement claims against Nvidia is scheduled for August, Rambus said.

Nvidia shares slipped 9 cents to close at $10.85, while Rambus shares fell 8 cents to $13.92.