USITC probes Samsung, Google and Nvidia over memory chip patents
The U.S. International Trade Commission has launched an investigation into Samsung Electronics and major technology firms following allegations of patent infringement on dynamic random access memory chips critical to artificial intelligence infrastructure.
U.S. trade regulators have initiated a formal probe into Samsung Electronics’ memory chips and products sold by Google, Nvidia, Broadcom and Super Micro Computer. The investigation follows a complaint from California-based Netlist, which alleges that Samsung and its U.S. units have infringed on its patents relating to dynamic random access memory.
The U.S. International Trade Commission confirmed the launch of the inquiry on Wednesday. Netlist has requested that the commission block imports of the disputed chips and order the named companies to cease selling them within the United States. The technology involved is a critical component in the servers powering the current artificial intelligence boom.
This legal action represents the latest escalation in a years-long patent dispute between Netlist and Samsung over high-performance memory. The current probe follows significant prior litigation, including a 2023 verdict awarding Netlist $303 million and a 2024 Texas jury decision that awarded the company $118 million from Samsung over data-processing technology in memory products.
An ITC judge is scheduled to hold an evidentiary hearing and issue an initial ruling, which remains subject to review by the commission. The USITC has set a target date to complete the investigation within 45 days. Any order issued by the commission takes effect immediately and becomes final after 60 days, unless it is overridden by the U.S. Trade Representative on policy grounds.
Demand for memory chips has surged recently as major U.S. technology companies expand data centres to support AI services. This increased demand has driven up prices for chips from Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Representatives for Samsung, Google, Nvidia, Broadcom and Super Micro Computer did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the new investigation.
