Licensing FAQ

Q: How can customers license Rambus technologies?

A: Rambus offers a number of designs that incorporate its innovations, as well as direct licenses to its inventions and patents. For instance, a customer designing an application-specific product can license one of Rambus' complete interface solutions, such as the FlexIO™ processor bus. In addition to interface cells, Rambus offers a range of logical controller models, and package and system design services. For customers who prefer to invest the time and effort in designing their own interfaces, Rambus also licenses individual inventions on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Please describe the Rambus business model.

A: Rambus develops key technologies to improve chip interfaces in a number of different applications. Rambus does not manufacture chips, but rather licenses patented innovations and chip interface products to some of the world's leading semiconductor companies such as AMD, Intel, Toshiba, and Texas Instruments, as well as major system companies such as Fujitsu, Sony Corporation, and Matsushita.

Q: Why are patents important to Rambus? How do they relate to R&D?

A: Rambus continues to make substantial investment in R&D. Rambus' inventions provide the foundation for its products that are then sold or licensed to customers. Rambus' patents allow it to claim and protect its inventions and ensure that its products are available for licensing to its entire customer base. Rambus patents enable the company to support its continued investments in R&D.

Q: What about patents in industry standards?

A: Rambus technologies are broadly applicable to chip interfaces and system design. In some cases, these innovations can improve the overall performance of an industry standard as well as improve the cost-effectiveness of the product.

Q: Who do I contact about obtaining a license?

A: For more information on licensing Rambus technology, please contact a Rambus salesperson.