Digital claims Intel is using their patented technology for cache management, branch prediction, and high-speed instruction processing (performing several operations at the same time, from what I can gleam from this). Digital is asking for both an injunction and triple monetary damages (no dollar amount is given) for what it calls "Intel's willful violation of the patents." The injunction would prohibit Intel from using Digital's patented technology in its present and future microprocessor products, which Digital says come from their own R&D for the Alpha chip.

It doesn't seem like anyone in the industry, except Digital's directors, saw this coming. But it may be the first of many such actions to come. Many corporations have built up quite a portfolio of patents that are now starting to be used a corporate weapons. IMHO, quite a few of the patents are questionable, but then again, I'm no lawyer :)

A press release outlining Digital's side of the story is available at www.digital.com/flash/. You can also read a message to Digital's customers from Bob Palmer at www.digital.com/welcome.html. I didn't find any mention of this issue at Intel's web site.

Intel: www.intel.com

Digital: www.digital.com

From the Wall Street Journal, www.cnet.com, www.zdnet.com, and other sources.