VLSI Gets Limited Leeway to Amend Theory in Intel Patent Case

A federal judge in California largely rejected an effort by VLSI Technology LLC to add new theories alleging how Intel Corp. infringed its semiconductor and microprocessor technology patents.

Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins seemed intent on moving along the case, now in it’s sixth year, with an order Monday related to discovery and the legal positions the plaintiff is required to declare in the case. VLSI has been allowed twice before to amend these infringement contentions.

Under a Local Rule in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, patent plaintiffs are required to “crystallize their infringement contentions ...