Yeah that is kind of what I was thinking but when you get into the coprocessor and parts of the like it could get gray.
<PAGE>
INTEL & AMD CONFIDENTIAL
------------------------
1.20. "Processor" shall mean any Integrated Circuit or combination of
Integrated Circuits capable of processing digital data, such as a
microprocessor or coprocessor (including, without limitation, a math
coprocessor, graphics coprocessor, or digital signal processor) that
is capable of executing a substantial portion of the instruction set
of an AMD Processor or an Intel Processor.
^^Here is where I draw that conclusion as to the proposed nVidia deal and Niku I believe this also addresses your concerns to a point.^^
By doing a little deep reading I think AMD while bound by this agreement is also limited to a point by it as it hampers development the contract works both ways and AMD needs to work with MS before the end of this contract if they want to move away from X86 or we will be stuck in this quagmire for the foreseeable future.
Patent life:
UNITED STATES
"In the U.S., according to the current patent law, the pattm grants utility patents that last for 20 years; & plant patents & design patents that last for 14 years". (" Introduction to Understanding Patents" University of Michigan, Media Union Library [Accessed August 30, 2006] )
EUROPE
"A European patent gives its holder the same rights in the designated contracting states as a national patent. It is valid for 20 years". ("Facts & figures 1999" EPO <
www.european-patent-office.org/epo/facts_figures/facts1999/e/3.htm> [Accessed October 5, 2000])
JAPAN
"The term of the utility model right is 6 years from the filing date of the utility model application, though a utility model right shall come into force upon registration of its establishment. No renewal of the utility model right is possible. The term of a design right shall expire 15 years from the date of registration of its establishment. No renewal of the design right is possible. The term of the patent right is 20 years from the filing date of the patent application, though a patent right shall come into force upon registration of its establishment. No renewal of the patent right is possible. As an exception, the term of the patent right may be extended by a period not exceeding 5 years, if it was not possible to work the patented invention because of the necessity of obtaining an approval or other disposition which is governed by provisions in laws such as the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law & the Agricultural Chemicals Regulation Law". ("Frequently Asked Questions" Japanese Patent Office <
http://www.jpo.go.jp/index.htm>[Accessed October 5, 2000])
UNITED KINGDOM
"In the UK the legal rights last for a maximum term of 20 years from the date of filing of the patent application at the Patent Office. The patent has to be maintained by payment of renewal fees. Once the 20 year term has expired or the patent has lapsed through non-payment of renewal fees, the invention can be worked by anyone as long as there are no other intellectual property rights associated with the invention". ("FAQ - How long does a patent last?" The British Library Science Technology & Business <
http://www.bl.uk/collections/patents/faq.html> [Accessed October 20, 2000])
CANADA
"For patent applications filed before October 1, 1989, the term of the patent is 17 years from the date of issue. For patent applications filed on or after October 1, 1989, the term of the patent is 20 years from the date of filing of the application". ("Help" Canadian Patent Database < patents1.ic.gc.ca/content-e.html#patdocument[Accessed October 23, 2000])
I need to study this!!
