The Remaining x86 License Holders

[CKTurbo128]

I've noticed on VIA Technologies Wiki entry in that their x86 license appears to be expiring next year (the end of the 10 year agreement between Intel and VIA's settlement), unless they've extended their licensing agreement.

While VIA hasn't been significant on the x86 front, it does bring up a question: aside from Intel and AMD, who else has the right to produce an x86 processor (should they choose to)?

 

[ShintaiDK]

I doubt the license is actually x86. Since it shouldnt be possible to have patent for anymore. I think when refered to x86 it means modern x86 with all the instructions that keeps getting added.

 

[Phynaz]

IBM

 

[Elixer]

I thought VIA's license had to do with the BUS ? Once that is up, then, there really is no reason to make x86 stuff anymore.
Yeah, they can get a extension I suppose, but that is for the old BUS...

 

[lamedude]

Its for x86. They lost the ability to make GTL+ CPUs and chipsets years ago.

 

[mrmt]

While VIA hasn't been significant on the x86 front, it does bring up a question: aside from Intel and AMD, who else has the right to produce an x86 processor (should they choose to)?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_x86_manufacturers

 

[Fox5]

VIA's x86 market share is probably small enough that it'd be worth shifting over design teams to ARM. IIRC, they sold their graphics patents to HTC.