Scientists sue Intel over Core 2 Duo

 

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Posted on 8 Feb 2008 at 14:22

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is suing Intel over technology used in the Core 2 Duo which it claims to hold the patent for.

The patent relates to a "table-based data speculation circuit for a parallel processing computer", which effectively allows the chip to make a guess on what program instructions are coming next, giving it the opportunity to get started without having to wait for data it would otherwise be dependent upon to finish processing.

WARF claims University of Wisconsin researchers patented the technology in 1998, and then approached Intel in 2001 about licensing it. These talks apparently included face-to-face meetings with company representatives but were not pursued by Intel.

"We are disappointed with Intel's lack of response in resolving this matter, and while we were not anxious to use the courts to enforce our patent rights, we have no other recourse given our duty to protect the intellectual property of our inventors and the university," claims WARF in the suit.

WARF wants the courts to block the sale of Intel's Core 2 Duo chips and award it unspecified damages, which will apparently go back to the university to fund further research.

Author: Stuart Turton