From what I understand, when IBM built the first PC they demanded at least 2 suppliers for CPUs, in case one went out of business etc. Intel therefore allowed AMD to build clones of its CPUs.
Intel much later sued AMD for patent infringement, and an undisclosed sum was transferred between the two companies along with an agreement that they are both able to copy each others technologies.
This is why AMD are able to keep adding the new versions of SSE to their CPUs with no royalties, and why Intel was able to add EMT64 with no royalties.
Now, as far as I am aware, AMD, if they wanted to, could reverse engineer C2D and start selling them as AMD C2Ds. This is what they did with the Am486. I dont see them as likely do do this however, as they want thier own design and they would get slated in the press for it.
Conversely however, with ATi now part of AMD, what is to stop Intel making an Intel R600 chip once AMD release it?
Even if the agreement only covers CPUs (and the line between these is blurring with GPGPU applications anyway), then as soon as AMD start putting ATi based GPUs on the CPU die with Fusion and similar, Intel are able to copy them, no?
Can any new Gfx developments by AMD/ATi now be integrated into Intels GMA series with no royalties?
Just speculating
Intel much later sued AMD for patent infringement, and an undisclosed sum was transferred between the two companies along with an agreement that they are both able to copy each others technologies.
This is why AMD are able to keep adding the new versions of SSE to their CPUs with no royalties, and why Intel was able to add EMT64 with no royalties.
Now, as far as I am aware, AMD, if they wanted to, could reverse engineer C2D and start selling them as AMD C2Ds. This is what they did with the Am486. I dont see them as likely do do this however, as they want thier own design and they would get slated in the press for it.
Conversely however, with ATi now part of AMD, what is to stop Intel making an Intel R600 chip once AMD release it?
Even if the agreement only covers CPUs (and the line between these is blurring with GPGPU applications anyway), then as soon as AMD start putting ATi based GPUs on the CPU die with Fusion and similar, Intel are able to copy them, no?
Can any new Gfx developments by AMD/ATi now be integrated into Intels GMA series with no royalties?
Just speculating