3dfx heeft bekend gemaakt dat de rechtszaak die nVidia tegen het bedrijf heeft aangespannen, volgens 3dfx slechts een manier is om een schikking te krijgen in een andere rechtszaak, waarbij nVidia (volgens 3dfx) 2 jaar geleden patentschending heeft begaan.San Jose , Calif.- August 29, 2000 -3dfx Interactive® Inc. (NASDAQ:TDFX) stated today that it would vigorously defend against claims of patent infringement made by NVIDIA Corporation in a lawsuit filed August 28, 2000. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and concerns five NVIDIA patents. NVIDIA seeks an injunction restraining the Company from manufacturing, selling or importing certain of its products, as well as monetary damages.

The Company previously filed suit against NVIDIA on September 21, 1998 alleging patent infringement of patents owned by the Company relating to NVIDIA's use of multi-texturing technology. Several hearings have been held with respect to this matter and a decision is expected shortly as to claim interpretation regarding those patents.

"NVIDIA's filing of a suit is clearly an attempt to force a settlement of our existing patent infringement lawsuit against NVIDIA, and we believe demonstrates a lack of confidence in their current defense," said Alex Leupp, president and CEO of 3dfx Interactive. "We anticipate receiving rulings as to claim interpretation i ues in our existing lawsuit shortly, and are committed to protecting our intellectual property and maximizing the financial benefits of our technology for our shareholders. We regret that NVIDIA feels compelled to resort to these kinds of tactics as a defense of the pending litigation. 3dfx intends to vigorously defend itself against this litigation." nVidia, nVidia, nVidia toch...