Rambus drops some patent claims against Nvidia

Rambus Inc., a company that licenses semiconductor technology, has dropped some of its patent infringement claims with the International Trade Commission against graphics chip maker Nvidia Corp.

Rambus, based in Los Altos, Calif., filed a complaint with the ITC in November, saying Nvidia had violated patents on graphics processors and other related chips.

"We are pleased Rambus has recognized the weakness of these patents and claims," Nvidia's general counsel, David Shannon, said in a statement Monday.

Rambus countered that it had dropped some claims to "simplify the investigation, streamline the hearing and conserve commission resources in consideration of the evidence that will be presented at the hearing."

Last week, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued an opinion rejecting 41 of Rambus's patent claims against Santa Clara, Calif.-based Nvidia, covering seven of nine separate patents involved in the dispute.

Rambus said its decision to drop 25 of the claims covering five patents was unrelated to the patent office's ruling.

Nvidia shares slipped 21 cents, or 2 percent, to $10.62 in afternoon trading, while shares of Rambus fell 25 cents, or 2 percent, to $14.34.