Nvidia, Microsoft hit with patent lawsuit over AI computing technology

Artificial intelligence computing giants Nvidia and Microsoft were sued in U.S. court on Thursday for allegedly stealing a small Texas company's data processor technology to help fuel development of AI products. Plaintiff Xockets accused Nvidia and Microsoft of “rampant” patent infringement in the lawsuit, filed in Waco, Texas, federal court. Xockets also said the companies violated antitrust law by conspiring with each other and with patent risk management company RPX to fix and drive down the price of Xockets’ technology. The lawsuit said Xockets sought to license its technology to Nvidia and Microsoft, but the companies formed a pact to channel any licensing negotiations through RPX.