DPU startup Xockets has filed a lawsuit against Nvidia and Microsoft, claiming that the companies have infringed on its patent for a crucial innovation in AI chips. Xockets alleges that Nvidia’s data processing unit (DPU) technology, which enhances the efficiency of cloud infrastructure by accelerating data-intensive workloads, is based on its patented technology.
The lawsuit asserts that Nvidia inherited the infringement through its acquisition of Mellanox in 2020. Xockets claims that it publicly demonstrated its DPU tech at a conference in 2015, after which Mellanox began infringing on its patent. Xockets specifically points to three of Nvidia’s DPUs, namely BlueField, ConnectX, and NVLink Switch, as utilizing its patented technology.
Furthermore, Xockets accuses Microsoft of also infringing on its patent. The startup alleges that Microsoft, in collaboration with Nvidia, has incorporated Xockets’ patented technology into its own products without authorization.
By filing this lawsuit, Xockets aims to protect its intellectual property rights and seek appropriate compensation for the alleged infringements. The startup’s claims highlight the importance of innovation and the need to safeguard technological advancements in the field of AI chip development.
This legal dispute emphasizes the competitive nature of the tech industry, where companies often face allegations of patent infringement. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Nvidia and Microsoft respond to the allegations and what impact this lawsuit may have on the future of AI chip technology.