US probes 20 companies over AI server power patents

The US International Trade Commission has started an inquiry into power systems used in artificial intelligence servers. This action follows a formal complaint filed by the power-chip maker Vicor on Friday. The trade body is investigating whether twenty firms have violated patent rights.

The case targets technology that feeds power directly to top-end chips from below them. Vicor alleges these products infringe upon one of its existing patents. The firm wants US officials to block the sale and import of the items in question.

High-profile manufacturers appear on the list of defendants alongside Foxconn and Quanta. Apple supplier Luxshare is also named among the companies facing the probe. Other firms involved include Delta Electronics, Infineon, Flex and Celestica.

Vicor is requesting that the products be barred from the American market entirely. The commission will set a target date to finish the case within 45 days. Any import ban would only take effect after a full hearing and final ruling.

Luxshare has stated in a filing that it does not expect the probe to affect its results. Bloomberg reported that the firm notes their products are still under customer testing. The company claims the items are not currently in mass production yet.

The commission has not ruled on the validity of the claims at this stage. Luxshare listed its shares in Hong Kong markets during July. That listing was the city's biggest initial public offering for the year.