Nvidia Sues S3

Earlier this morning, GameSpot News learned that 3D-chip manufacturer Nvidia has sued crosstown rival S3. The lawsuit was apparently served earlier this week; however, both companies were hoping to avoid any press and have been tight-lipped on the subject.

According to S3, Nvidia's lawsuit is "vague" and seems to focus on an audio patent and not transform and lighting as previously reported. Needless to say, this seems more than a little strange, as Nvidia is exclusively a graphics company and has announced no plans to develop any audio solutions whatsoever.

An S3 representative told GameSpot News that this lawsuit is a negotiation tactic to get S3 to settle on the outstanding graphics-patent suit filed against Nvidia by S3 in 1998. That case is supposed to go to trial in February of 2000. Nvidia officials were unavailable for comment at press time. Look to GameSpot News to bring you more details as they become available.