Intel Worries Over AMD Patents

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Nov 21, 2008

Intel is concerned that the AMD manufacturing split could violate its patents. Intel feels that its microprocessor patents could be in jeapordy when AMD outsources its technology to a foreign company. The chip maker licenses its x86 chip architecture to AMD.

Intel Corp and Advanced Micro Devices Inc are again fighting a new potential legal war. Intel said it has serious questions about a deal that will allow AMD to spin off its manufacturing business to a new overseas company.

"Intel has serious questions about this transaction as it relates to the license and will vigorously protect Intel's intellectual property rights," Intel spokesmen, Chuck Mulloy, said in a statement.

Intel said that the deal violates its patents. The business technology giant said it will defend its rights. The two chip makers have a cross-licensing agreement under which AMD pays royalties to Intel.

AMD has not responded to Intel's concerns. However, its company split doesn't involve any changes which depend on the x86 licenses. The licenses are used to design its product line which includes the Athlon, Geode, Opteron, Phenom and Turion. The licenses also reference mainboard chipsets.