chips

The intellectual property battle between Samsung and Apple has grown a bit more serious: Samsung has asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to block the importation of iPads, iPhones, and iPods into the United States for patent violations. It's not a hollow threat.

The path to profits for most of Corporate America lately has been cutting costs rather than raising revenue. But a careful look reveals a few companies that are poised to deliver real revenue growth. We've found six with a plus: Their stocks look like bargains.

In a move to help it target tablet computers, cell-phone-chip designer Qualcomm has reportedly offered $3.5 billion to buy Atheros Communications, which has developed chips that connect wireless computers to the Internet.

German chipmaker Infineon Technologies is considering the idea of an electric car that's steered with a joystick, which could help car companies slash costs as they replace expensive mechanical parts with cheaper electronic ones.

Intel has struck a deal with Achronix Semiconductor to manufacture chips for the boutique player using its latest high-tech manufacturing production line, the companies announced Monday. This is the first time Intel has agreed to such an arrangement.

Samsung Electronics shares fell 2.5% to 773,000 won each, fueling declines in other Asian technology stocks, after the company forecast its third-quarter profit will fall from the second quarter's record high.

Oracle has slapped Micron Technology, Samsung, Hynix, Infineon and other chip-makers with a price-fixing lawsuit, a follow-up to the $173 million antitrust settlement that those companies and others reached with state attorneys generals regarding similar allegations several months back.

Oracle Corp. (ORCL) wants to buy semiconductor companies and the makers of industry-specific software, CEO Larry Ellison said. Oracle has bought more than 65 companies in the last five years. Adding chipmakers would help the company develop its presence in the market for computer hardware....

Advanced Micro Devices has lowered its third-quarter sales guidance, citing weaker-than-expected demand for laptops in North America and Europe. The news comes after another chip maker, Intel, cut its third-quarter forecast last month.

Technology company Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) will purchase utility storage company 3Par Inc (PAR) for $2.35 billion or $33 a share. The agreement between the two companies ends 3Par's merger agreement with chip-maker Dell Inc. (DELL), with 3Par agreeing to pay Dell $72 million as a termination fee....