Sunday 11 June 2017

Intel Threatens to Sue Qualcomm over Windows 10

Intel published a blog post earlier this week concerning x86's upcoming 40th anniversary, and one portion, "Protecting x86 ISA Innovation," includes veiled warnings to Qualcomm and Microsoft concerning their ARM collaboration: "...there have been reports that some companies may try to emulate Intel's proprietary x86 ISA without Intel's authorization." It seems obvious that Intel is unhappy about Windows 10 PCs running Snapdragon 835 chips with x86 emulation, and some think an epic legal battle may be on the way if Qualcomm doesn't agree to licensing. This author opinions that the true purpose of Windows 10 on ARM is ensuring the PC market is not hamstrung by an Intel monopoly. "Intel carefully protects its x86 innovations, and we do not widely license others to use them," the post continues, suggesting two things. That Qualcomm has not licensed Intel's "x86 innovations." And that Intel isn't particularly inclined to do so, given that Qualcomm's entry into the PC market will negatively impact Intel's already-falling PC chips sales. Furthermore, Intel has aggressively pursued those companies that do violate its intellectual property. And it isn't shy about reminding us of the results. "Over the past 30 years, Intel has vigilantly enforced its intellectual property rights against infringement by third-party microprocessors," the two explain. Discussion

Read the full article here by [H]ardOCP News/Article Feed

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