Super Micro Computer falls 4%, Dell drops 3% amid DDR5 patent dispute

Netlist, a relatively small memory technology company trading on the OTCQB market, filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission on August 12, alleging that Micron Technology, Super Micro Computer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Lenovo are infringing on four of its patents related to DDR5 memory module technology. Super Micro Computer shares dropped roughly 4% on the news, while Dell fell about 3%. The kicker: Dell wasn’t even named in the complaint. What Netlist is actually claiming The complaint centers on four US patents covering DDR5 RDIMM and MRDIMM memory modules, specifically Patent Nos. 10,025,731, 10,217,523, 12,373,366, and 12,675,407. Netlist is asking the ITC for exclusion orders and cease-and-desist commands that could block the import and sale of products using the allegedly infringing technology in the US market. On top of the ITC filing, Netlist has also initiated a separate federal district court lawsuit against Micron specifically. Why Dell got caught in the crossfire Dell was not named as a respondent in the ITC complaint, but investors reacted to the implication that if DDR5 RDIMM and MRDIMM modules become subject to import restrictions, any serv...