ATI fires back at Real 3D in graphics patent fight

The graphics patent lawyers are staying busy. ATI has countersued Real 3D in U.S. District Court in Delaware, one week after Real 3D sued in Orlando claiming ATI’s RAGE line infringes two of its patents, one covering a method of modulating color for cell texture and one covering an advanced video object generator. Reuters reports the two sides had been negotiating since October over Real 3D’s demand that ATI license the technology or face infringement charges.

ATI is not being subtle about it, calling Real 3D’s filing a sneak attack and improper gamesmanship meant to force an unreasonable settlement, and warning that the continuing threat could weigh on RAGE sales. It wants a jury to declare the RAGE products clean and the patents themselves invalid. Grab a comfortable chair, this one is going to run for a while.