Rambus wins U.S. ITC decision against Nvidia

Graphics chip designer Nvidia Corp (NVDA.O) violated three of five patents held by Rambus Inc (RMBS.O), a U.S. International Trade Commission judge ruled on Friday, paving the way for a possible ban on the import of some Nvidia products.

Shares of Nvidia slid 3.5 percent while Rambus -- which often reacts sharply to news of its ongoing patent disputes -- gained 3 percent on the Nasdaq.

Los Altos, California-based Rambus has been filing lawsuits against various technology companies for the past decade, claiming they violate patents held by the memory chipdesigner.

The ITC decision, which stems from a complaint Rambus filed in 2008, is a blow for Nvidia, whose core business relies upon the sale of specialized graphics cards that may contain theinfringing technology.

The ITC is a popular venue for patent litigation because it can bar the imports of products made with infringing technology from the United States. The case number is 337-661.