Intel has faced a significant setback in a patent lawsuit, resulting in severe consequences. Consequently, Intel is no longer authorized to sell certain processors in Germany due to allegations of patent infringement by R2 Semiconductor.
The sales ban, issued by the Düsseldorf Regional Court, currently applies to models from the Ice Lake, Tiger Lake, and Alder Lake generations, as well as the Xeon processors from the Ice Lake generation. However, it's important to note that the ban excludes brand-new processors, and Intel may face fewer issues with existing stock, although issues could arise for certain users requiring older CPUs as replacements.
The legal dispute centers around a specific power supply technology in the processors. The recent victory at the Düsseldorf District Court follows successful proceedings in December 2023, confirming the validity of R2's patent.
Tensions between R2 and Intel appear to have intensified, with an Intel spokesperson characterizing R2 as a company primarily focused on legal disputes. R2 has refuted this claim, stating that Intel had initially expressed interest in investing in R2 but withdrew from negotiations shortly before a deal was reached in 2015.
In addition to the sales ban, Intel is obligated to provide R2 with information about affected products sold in Germany. Intel has announced its intention to appeal the ban.
