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Trident sues fellow chipmakers

Graphics chipmaker Trident Microsystems has filed suit against Via Technologies and S3 Graphics, contending the companies conspired to misappropriate its trade secrets. The suit was filed in California's Santa Clara County Superior Court. Santa Clara-based Trident alleges that Taiwan-based Via and its S3 Graphics division worked with former Trident engineering employees to obtain confidential information and recruit other Trident engineers to gain a competitive advantage over the company. Trident also alleges that Via and S3 Graphics may be planning to use Trident trade secrets to compete against it. Via did not return phone calls seeking comment.

John G. Spooner Staff Writer, CNET News.com
John Spooner
covers the PC market, chips and automotive technology.
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John G. Spooner
Graphics chipmaker Trident Microsystems has filed suit against Via Technologies and S3 Graphics, contending the companies conspired to misappropriate its trade secrets. The suit was filed in California's Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Santa Clara-based Trident alleges that Taiwan-based Via and its S3 Graphics division worked with former Trident engineering employees to obtain confidential information and recruit other Trident engineers to gain a competitive advantage over the company. Trident also alleges that Via and S3 Graphics may be planning to use Trident trade secrets to compete against it. Via did not return phone calls seeking comment.