ITC Investigates Dell, HP, Intel on Chip Patent Violation Allegations

The International Trade Commission last week began a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into allegations that imports of integrated circuits with voltage regulators made by Intel and incorporated into products from Dell, HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise infringe patents held by R2 Semiconductor, the ITC said. In a complaint filed Sept. 12, R2 said Intel’s microprocessors with Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator voltage spike protection copy its patented technologies and are being manufactured and imported without a license. The ITC will decide whether to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders banning import and sale of infringing microprocessors, plus downstream products that include them. Dell, HP, HP Enterprise and Intel didn't comment Monday.