Key facts
- The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is investigating Samsung Electronics for alleged infringement of Netlist's memory-chip patents.
- Products from Google, Nvidia, Broadcom, and Super Micro Computer that use Samsung's chips are included in the probe.
- Netlist claims Samsung infringed its patents related to dynamic random access memory (DRAM) technology.
- Netlist previously won over $420 million in jury verdicts against Samsung for patent infringement and breach of contract.
- Micron Technology has signed long-term agreements with Qualcomm, Harman, Visteon, DENSO, and others for AI-enabled automotive chip components.
- These agreements aim to ensure stable supply and pricing for memory and storage components crucial for AI features in vehicles.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated an investigation into Samsung Electronics concerning allegations of infringing Netlist's memory-chip patents. The probe also includes products from Google, Nvidia, Broadcom, and Super Micro Computer that utilize Samsung's chips. Netlist claims Samsung infringed its patents for dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a critical component for AI servers. This investigation follows previous legal actions where Netlist secured jury verdicts totaling over $420 million against Samsung for patent infringement and breach of contract.
Separately, Micron Technology announced long-term agreements with automotive suppliers, including Qualcomm and Harman, to secure memory and storage components for AI-enabled vehicles. These deals aim to address the booming demand for memory chips driven by the rapid adoption of AI tools in data centers, consumer electronics, and vehicles, supporting features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and digital cockpits. Micron, the sole U.S.-based manufacturer of high bandwidth memory chips used with Nvidia's AI processors, anticipates significant growth from data center demand complemented by AI applications in smartphones, PCs, automotive, and robotics.