UniRAM Technology says similarities between its technology and that used by Monolithic System Technology (MoSys) is evidence its rival improperly acquired trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).
UniRAM also found it curious the two United States chip rivals had similar road maps for new product development, despite UniRAM keeping its plans a secret.
'Since 1998, all of the significant technology 'developments' made by MoSys followed, step by step, the road maps UniRAM had earlier provided to TSMC,' the company said in its patent infringement suit, filed last week in California.
UniRAM claims MoSys has earned US$50 million in revenue as a result of infringement of its patents and is seeking triple damages.
TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, has not been named as a defendant.
According to the suit, UniRAM and TSMC signed non-disclosure agreements in 1996, 1999 and 2000.