Intel counters Digital patent breach claims

Intel has filed its counter-claim lawsuit against Digital, claiming that technology in Digital?s Alpha processors was copied from the chip giant?s Pentium.

The countersuit alleges infringement of 14 Intel patents ? Digital?s original action accused Intel of copying 10 of its technologies. Intel has not stated why it did not make these claims until after Digital filed its suit. The courts will begin deciding who copied whom in the autumn.

The 14 patents in Intel?s countersuit cover chip design, manufacturing, video coding and notebook processor heat dissipation, as well as the architecture, design, service and management of systems.

The chip giant claimed Digital has infringed its patents in notebook and desktop PC lines in which it has paid licence fees to include Intel chips, as well as its Alpha-based servers and workstations. Intel also pledged to use its vast portfolio of patents to strengthen its case.

Intel could win a hearing on 8 September over the companies? other legal battle over intellectual property. Sources at the chip giant said Digital has not yet complied with the court?s May ruling that it should return documents giving details of Intel?s product development plans.