AMD in Trouble as Adeia Files Two Patent Infringement Lawsuits Over 3D V-Cache Technology
AMD is facing serious legal pressure after the intellectual property licensing company Adeia filed two patent infringement lawsuits against the chipmaker. The suits, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, allege that AMD has been using Adeia’s patented semiconductor technologies for years without proper authorization or a licensing agreement.
According to Adeia’s official statement, the dispute centers on hybrid bonding innovations that have been instrumental in AMD’s 3D V-Cache processors. This stacking technology, introduced in 2022 with AMD’s Ryzen and EPYC product lines, allows multiple chip layers to be bonded together at microscopic precision, enabling faster data transfer, improved efficiency, and a significant performance advantage, especially in gaming workloads.
Adeia claims that it has been in contact with AMD for years, attempting to reach a fair licensing deal, but that all negotiations have failed. “For years, AMD’s products have incorporated and made extensive use of Adeia’s patented semiconductor innovations, which have greatly contributed to their success as a market leader,” the company stated. “After prolonged efforts to reach a mutually agreeable resolution without litigation, we believe this step was necessary to defend our intellectual property from AMD’s continued unauthorized use.”
The two lawsuits cover a total of ten patents, seven related to hybrid bonding and three covering advanced semiconductor process technologies. Adeia noted that while it remains open to further negotiation, it is “fully prepared” to pursue litigation to protect its intellectual property.
If the case moves forward and Adeia prevails, AMD could face substantial licensing fees or royalty payments tied to its 3D-stacked products. Such an outcome could impact AMD’s long-term financial and technical roadmap, particularly as 3D V-Cache remains a cornerstone of its CPU performance strategy for both desktop and server markets.
It’s important to note that AMD’s chips are fabricated by TSMC, but Adeia’s complaint does not name TSMC in the lawsuits. Since TSMC serves purely as a contract manufacturer, Adeia is targeting AMD directly as the designer, seller, and ultimate beneficiary of the technology.
Patent disputes are not uncommon in the semiconductor industry, yet this case stands out due to its timing and focus on one of AMD’s most critical innovations. As of now, AMD has not issued a public statement in response to Adeia’s claims.
Do you think AMD will settle with Adeia, or will this case become a major courtroom battle that could reshape the company’s technology licensing practices?
