The Latest in AT/IP: FTC Rules Against Rambus -- Lack of Disclosure Leads to Finding of Violation of the Sherman Act
Client Alert | 1 min read | 08.02.06
The Federal Trade Commission has determined that Rambus, Inc. unlawfully monopolized the markets for four computer memory technologies that have been incorporated into industry standards for dynamic random access memory ("DRAM") chips. While participating in the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC), a standard-setting organization, Rambus failed to disclose to the organization or its members that it was actively working to develop, and possessed, a patent and several pending patent applications that involved specific technologies ultimately adopted in the standards. The FTC found that Rambus' omission constituted deceptive conduct sufficient to violate Section 2 of the Sherman Act.
In rendering its opinion, the FTC explained that members of standard-setting organizations have a good faith duty to disclose intellectual property rights, particularly where membership in an organization expressly requires such disclosure. The FTC held that where disclosure is required, non-disclosure of a patent followed by adoption of that patent into a standard and royalty demands by the non-disclosing patent owner was considered a "material omission" constituting a violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act in addition to Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Appeals are expected.
For more information: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2006/08/rambus.htm
Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 07.18.25
Eighth Circuit Cancels Click-to-Cancel
On July 8, 2025, the Eighth Circuit vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) Negative Option Rule, also known as the Click-to-Cancel Rule, on procedural grounds. The Click-to-Cancel Rule, which provided a streamlined path for consumers to cancel subscription services in a few clicks of a mouse, was scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025, but the Court found that the FTC had failed to follow mandatory procedural requirements.
Client Alert | 9 min read | 07.18.25
U.S. Lifts Most Sanctions on Syria in Major Policy Development
Client Alert | 6 min read | 07.17.25
Client Alert | 3 min read | 07.17.25
(Not the Funniest) Weekend Update: Recap of Recent Developments in the EU-US Tariff Dispute