Patent feud pits chip-tool makers in bitter struggle

Article Abstract:

Mentor Graphics and Quickturn Design Systems have been locked in a 5-year patent battle over tools for electronic-design automation, which Mentor sold to Quickturn an important patent in 1992. Semiconductor makers find EDA vital, the market of which recorded $2.5 billion in sales last year. The case involves Mentor's buying of Meta Systems for their PDA. This started another suit and Mentor tried a takeover of Quickturn. Later, Aptix joined Mentor and filed another infringement suit by Aptix's chairman, inventor Amr Mohsen. He was countersued over fabricating notebooks.

Special industry machinery, not elsewhere classified, Semiconductor Production Equip, Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing, Patents & copyrights, Cases, Semiconductor production equipment industry, Semiconductor production equipment, Patent law, Mentor Graphics Corp., Quickturn Design Systems Inc., MENT, QKTN

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PCs for under $600 seize a chunk of the market

Article Abstract:

The personal computer industry is undergoing a downward swing in profit margins due to the advent of the less-than-$600 personal computer. Until just recently a PC that cheap was unheard of, and now, according to industry experts, they account for nearly one-fifth of all new personal computers sold. This is not boding well for the profit margins of established computer manufacturers who have been forced to add-on products with monthly services charges such as Internet access to made up the lost profits.

Electronic computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Analog & Hybrid Computers, Market share, Computer industry, Microcomputers, Prices and rates, Forecasts and trends, Market trend/market analysis

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A Web service offers to gather messages, but it can get messy

Article Abstract:

New all-in-one communications services that group all your telecommunications messages together in computerized form offer simplicity and could save you money. Such services offer easy signup, and usually offer a free Web-based e-mail address. All services tested work as advertised, on the mechanical level. Problems only crop up when you want to read your faxes or listen to your voice mail. Four services, messageclick.com, onebox.com, telebot.com and uReach..com were tested. Although such services are a good idea, they need improvement in technology and design, and as yet remain disappointing.

COMMUNICATION, Communications, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Services, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Communications industry, uReach.com Inc., Onebox.com, Telebot.com

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