LOS ALTOS, Calif., Jul 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rambus Inc. (Nasdaq:RMBS), one of the world's premier technology
licensing companies, today announced that the International Trade
Commission (ITC) issued its notice of final determination in the action
brought by Rambus against NVIDIA Corporation and other Respondents. In
its notice, the ITC has affirmed the findings of the Administrative Law
Judge (ALJ), with certain modifications. The final determination,
including such modifications, has yet to be released.
On November 6, 2008, Rambus filed a complaint with the ITC requesting an
investigation pertaining to certain NVIDIA products. The complaint
sought an exclusion order barring the importation, sale for importation,
and sale after importation of products that infringe nine of Rambus'
patents. The accused products include graphics processors, application
processors, media and communications processors, and chip sets which
incorporate infringing memory controllers. The complaint named NVIDIA as
a proposed Respondent, as well as companies whose products
incorporate the accused NVIDIA products and are imported into the United
States. These Respondents include: Asustek Computer Inc. and Asus
Computer International, BFG Technologies, Biostar Microtech and Biostar
Microtech International Corp., Diablotek Inc., EVGA Corp., G.B.T. Inc.
and Giga-Byte Technology Co., Hewlett-Packard, MSI Computer Corp. and
Micro-Star International Co., Palit Multimedia Inc. and Palit
Microsystems Ltd., Pine Technology (Macao Commercial Offshore) Ltd., and
Sparkle Computer Co. Four of the asserted patents were later withdrawn
from the investigation.
An evidentiary hearing on the asserted patents was held before the ALJ
on October 13-20, 2009. On January 22, 2010, the ALJ issued an initial
determination finding two Rambus patents to be not valid. The ALJ
further determined three Rambus (Barth) patents valid, enforceable and
infringed by the Respondents.
Today, Rambus received notice of the ITC's intent to issue a Limited
Exclusion Order barring the importation of Respondents' infringing
products into the United States, as well as Cease and Desist Orders
barring identified Respondents from selling any infringing products that
were previously imported into the United States. Under the Limited
Exclusion Order, the infringing products may be imported and sold during
a 60-day Presidential review period if Respondents post a bond. The
Commission has specified that the bond amount is 2.65% of the entered
value of the subject imports.
"The ITC's decision is another demonstration of the value of our
continued commitment to innovation," said Thomas Lavelle, senior vice
president and general counsel at Rambus. "We are extremely pleased with
the ITC's decision to issue a Limited Exclusion Order, signaling the
strength of our innovation efforts beyond the Farmwald-Horowitz patents
of our founders. The value of our patented inventions has been
recognized by our current licensees, and we will continue our efforts to
license others."
Rambus management will discuss this decision during a special conference
call tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. PDT. The call will be webcast and can be
accessed through the Rambus website. A replay will be available
following the call on Rambus' Investor Relations website or for one week
at the following numbers: (800) 642-1687(domestic) or (706)
645-9291(international) with ID# 90764352.
About Rambus Inc.
Rambus is one of the world's premier technology licensing companies.
Founded in 1990, the Company specializes in the invention and design of
architectures focused on enhancing the end-user experience of electronic
systems. Rambus' patented innovations and breakthrough technologies help
industry-leading companies bring superior products to market. Rambus
licenses both its world-class patent portfolio, as well as its family of
leadership and industry-standard solutions. Headquartered in Los Altos,
California, Rambus has regional offices in North Carolina, Ohio, India,
Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Additional information is available at www.rambus.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to Rambus' complaint
with the ITC regarding the NVIDIA products and related matters. There is
no assurance of any result from the ITC with respect to Rambus'
complaint regarding the NVIDIA products. Such forward-looking statements
are based on current expectations, estimates and projections,
management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by Rambus' management.
Actual results may differ materially. Rambus' business generally is
subject to a number of risks which are described more fully in Rambus'
periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Rambus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to
reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
RMBSLN
SOURCE: Rambus Inc.
Rambus Public Relations
Linda Ashmore, 650-947-5411
lashmore@rambus.com
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