=DJ Rambus/Suit -2: Fighting Over DRAM Semiconductor Sys
By Michael Buettner
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
RICHMOND, Va. (Dow Jones)--A federal judge ruled Thursday that
Infineon Technologies AG (IFX) can tell jurors of racketeering
allegations against Rambus Inc. (RMBS) when Rambus'
patent-infringement lawsuit goes to trial.
Rambus is suing Infineon for alleged patent infringement concerning
computer technology. In response, Infineon counterclaimed that Rambus
violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law.
In an effort to keep such accusations out of the trial, Rambus had
asked judge Robert E. Payne for a summary judgment concerning
Infineon's counterclaim.
But judge Payne decided not to render summary judgment, thus opening
the window for Infineon to bring up the RICO allegations during the
trial.
Judge Payne's order was entered into the case record Thursday but
was unavailable for public inspection.
The case is scheduled to go to trial on March 20.
ElectronicNews.com, published by Cahners, reported Wednesday that
Payne had decided to limit the scope of Rambus' patent claims. The
article quoted an unnamed source who said Payne had agreed with
Infineon's expert witnesses that Rambus' patents don't cover certain
Infineon products.
Court records indicate that a hearing was held Wednesday on motions
by Rambus to exclude testimony by two expert witnesses called by
Infineon. No orders on those motions had been issued by late Thursday,
and the federal district court clerk's office said none are expected
today.
Rambus filed suit against Infineon last year claiming that the
German-based company had infringed Rambus' patents on dynamic random
access memory semiconductor connection systems. Infineon subsequently
filed a countersuit against Rambus claiming RICO and antitrust
violations.
Rambus shares fell $11.26, or 31.9%, to $24.09 on Thursday in
apparent reaction to the ElectronicNews.com story. Volume amounted to
20.2 million shares, up from average volume of 3.1 million. Infineon
fell 5 cents, or 0.1%, to $35.50 on light volume.
-By Michael Buettner, Dow Jones Newswires; 804-698-7385;
Michael.Buettner@dowjones.com
a little different than the so called rumors, wasn't it :-)
reh/long |
