TMCnet News
Alliacense Launches Major Licensing Program for Fundamental Microprocessor Patents; Intel and AMD Confirmed as Early Licensees of Widely Used Microprocessor System Design and Architecture PatentsCUPERTINO, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- July 27, 2005 -- Alliacense, a TPL Group enterprise focused on licensing program management, today announced that it has stepped up efforts to notify and license more than 100 system manufacturers worldwide using intellectual property protected by the Moore Microprocessor Patent(TM) (MMP) Portfolio. The fundamental patents filed in the 1980s cover techniques widely used in microprocessors as well as digital signal processors (DSPs), embedded processors and system-on-chip solutions. Alliacense also confirmed that Intel Corporation (Nasdaq:INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD) are among early MMP licensees that have validated the MMP Portfolio named after world-renowned inventor Charles H. Moore. According to Alliacense, the licensing of major companies in the early days of a licensing program is a common strategy that establishes credibility and generates momentum for ensuing licensing efforts. With the marquee microprocessor chip companies acting quickly to secure access to the MMP Portfolio, Alliacense is now focused on providing complete licensing coverage to leading system manufacturers serving computer, communications and entertainment markets. Since such systems typically utilize 10 to 20 individual processors specially adapted to each input/output and each user interface, system manufacturers are demanding license coverage that assures their current systems are not exposed to liability, and that planned products have the benefit of design flexibility. "Clearly, the most attractive path for our system manufacturing customers is to acquire a single inexpensive license that covers an entire system," asserted Mac Leckrone, president and COO of Alliacense. Leckrone noted that Alliacense has representatives in the US, Asia and Europe who are ready to discuss the MMP Licensing Program and what favorable opportunities exist for the very first system manufacturers that purchase a license. He confirmed that the Alliacense team was currently in active discussions with major manufacturers around the globe. According to Alliacense, the MMP Portfolio, which is licensed exclusively by the TPL Group, is very straightforward and easy to explain, and it becomes quickly apparent when infringement is taking place. Three of the most widely recognized patents in the MMP Portfolio are: -- US '336: Separate CPU and I/O clocks -- US '584: Multiple Instruction Fetch -- US '148: On-Chip Oscillator and Embedded Memory "It is interesting to see such a remarkable array of inventions, especially outside of the formal standards arena," noted Dr. Nick Tredennick, named a Fellow of the IEEE for his contributions to microprocessor design, and Editor of the Gilder Technology Report. The MMP Portfolio encompasses US, European and Japanese patents and is protected through the year 2015. About Charles H. Moore Currently the CTO for the TPL Group, Charles "Chuck" Moore is perhaps best known for inventing the Forth software language in 1968. Mr. Moore co-founded Forth Inc. in 1971. He developed a Forth-based chip (RTX2000) in the mid 1980s, derivatives of which are still being used widely by NASA. As Computer Cowboys, Mr. Moore designed the Sh-Boom microprocessor, and then co-founded iTV, an Internet Appliance manufacturer. During the 1990s, he used his own CAD software to design several custom VLSI chips, including the F21 processor with a network interface. More recently, he invented ColorForth and ported his VLSI design tools to it. About Alliacense Alliacense is a TPL Group Enterprise offering best in class licensing program management. As a cadre of licensing experts, Alliacense also implements programs that expand awareness of TPL Group intellectual properties that broadly impact the electronics industry. The TPL Group is an intellectual property management firm founded in 1989. For more information, visit www.alliacense.com. Alliacense, Moore Microprocessor Portfolio, and MMP are trademarks of the TPL Group. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners. |
