Saturday November 21, 2009 10:38 AM AEST

Packaging blocks AMD chips

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Packaging blocks AMD chips

Essential Linkage: AMD's packaging has a huge problem.

Packaging is probably the last thing that you'd think of when considering your next tech purchase, usually being ripped apart and thrown straight into the nearest bin.

AMD and a host of other companies have run into problems with theirs though; as patent infringement claims from Tessera Technologies mean that their packaging has come under some pretty serious scrutiny (not the first time they've been under the lawsuit hammer).

While we're not sure which part of the packaging is purportedly infringing, we do know that the International Trade Commission implemented a ban order on the 20th of May 2009.

They're temporarily off the hook for sixty days after the ban, but have to either appeal their ban to the US Federal District court or change their packaging completely - something very hard to achieve with so many products already on the shelves.

Fingers crossed that AMD and the other companies get out of this relatively unscathed - the last thing that AMD need is to lose even more money.

Head over to TweakTown to grab a little more info.

*Update*

Due to concerns raised by a reader, this is not about their cardboard box or anything along those lines; rather the ceramic packaging used in the processors themselves.

 

 
 
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10 Comments
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
iamthemaxx
Jul 3, 2009 11:34 AM
I wonder how long the company with the patent knew about this and didn't do anything.

Sounds like patent ransom to me.
sirtrancealot
Jul 3, 2009 11:52 AM
another ploy to make sure chipzilla keeps their foothold imo!
thesorehead
Jul 3, 2009 11:55 AM
agreed

How hard can it be to find another box design, though?
nesquick
Jul 3, 2009 12:21 PM
Oh god talk about nitpicky.
Mordecai
Jul 3, 2009 12:34 PM
I wonder who owns Tessera Technologies. Would be interesting if it turned out to be someone involved with AMD's competition now wouldn't it.
A Hitman
Jul 3, 2009 1:57 PM
What did it actually infringe?
Pari
Jul 3, 2009 5:00 PM
Using tiffany's blue boxes?
cerby
Jul 3, 2009 6:26 PM
I love how some people just go through life looking for ways to steal a piece of somebody elses pie!
SceptreCore
Jul 4, 2009 5:14 PM
Looking at this 'Company Overview' of theirs, it's possible that AMD and any of these other companies were at some point or another involved with Tessera, but perhaps have gone off on their way still using the patented techniques without paying license fees. Im sure AMD can find a friendly solution to this, because they have learnt the benefit of co-operation.
SceptreCore
Jul 4, 2009 5:15 PM
For your nerdy viewing pleasure: http://www.tessera.com/abouttessera/companyoverview
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