A computer-on-chip patent granted in shock to industry
Article Abstract:
Gilbert P. Hyatt has been awarded a patent for a design to build a computer on a single chip. Hyatt filed for the patent in 1970, and has been fighting for the award ever since. No one is sure just how far reaching the patent will be, but some observers say that both the microprocessor and microcontroller industries could be effected. The microprocessor industry is worth $2.1 billion a year, and the microcontroller industry approaches $3.4 billion. One expert says the patent is more likely to cover the microcontroller industry because microprocessors contain only a processor, whereas microcontrollers have both a processor and memory as described in the patent. Hyatt may be able to collect royalties from computer companies as well as semiconductor firms for the next 17 years.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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Memory chip cooperative is officially declared dead
Article Abstract:
U.S. Memories, a consortium of seven American computer companies that was formed to develop memory chips, has been officially dissolved after adequate funding could not be agreed upon. Many computer firms found that there really was no need for U.S. Memories and that they could arrange perfectly satisfactory deals on their own. This, coupled with the current surplus of chips and their low market price, made for unfavorable conditions in which to start production. The news of the failure was not well received by those who want to see more joint ventures between industry and government in the electronics field. Others saw it as just another example of US companies' inability to work together with the same success as the Japanese.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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Motorola and Hitachi in accord; chip pact could end threat to halt sales
Article Abstract:
Hitachi Ltd and Motorola Inc have reached an agreement in principal that should lead to a settlement of their disputes over computer chip patents. Hitachi and Motorola will jointly ask the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit of Washington to stay a lower court's ruling that would have banned Motorola from selling its 68030 microprocessor chip and Hitachi from selling its H8 microcontroller. The Motorola 68030 microprocessor chip is an important product for Motorola as it is the central chip used in computers made by Apple Computer Inc, Hewlett-Packard Co, Next Inc, NCR and other companies. The terms of the tentative accord has been kept confidential but analysts suspect that a cross-licensing accord will be reached.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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