Samsung faces US probe over alleged memory patent violations

US trade regulators have launched a probe into Samsung Electronics’ memory chips and products sold by ​Google, Nvidia, Broadcom and Super Micro Computer that use them ‌following a complaint by Netlist alleging infringement of its patents.

California-based Netlist has accused Samsung and its U.S. units of infringing its patents on dynamic random access ​memory, a type of chip that temporarily stores data ​for processors and is a critical component in the servers ⁠powering the AI boom, the U.S. International Trade Commission said.

Netlist has asked the USITC to block imports of the disputed ​chips and products and order the companies to stop selling them in the U.S. An ITC judge will hold an evidentiary hearing and issue an initial ​ruling, subject to review by the commission.

The USITC will set a ​target date for wrapping up the probe within 45 days. Any order it ‌issues ⁠takes effect immediately and becomes final after 60 days unless the U.S. Trade Representative overrides it on policy grounds.

The investigation is the latest escalation in a years-long patent fight between the companies over high-performance ​memory.

A Texas jury ​had awarded Netlist $118 ⁠million from Samsung in 2024 over data-processing technology in memory products, following a $303 million verdict in ​a related case in 2023.

Demand for memory chips has ​since surged ⁠as big U.S. technology companies race to build out data centers needed to power AI services, driving up prices of chips made by ⁠the ​likes of Samsung (005930.KS), opens new tab, SK Hynix (000660.KS), opens new tab and Micron (MU.O), opens new tab.

Samsung, ​Alphabet-owned Google, Nvidia, Broadcom and Super Micro Computer. Reuters