Intel sued for copyright infringement over AI software

Aug 9 (Reuters) - Software maker Anaconda Inc has sued Intel (INTC.O) in Delaware federal court, accusing the chipmaker of misusing its software for developing artificial-intelligence platforms, according to a lawsuit made public on Friday.

Austin, Texas-based Anaconda's complaint said that Intel has continued to utilize its software after its license expired, infringing Anaconda's copyrights.

"Intel intentionally leveraged Anaconda's technological innovations to improve Intel's own products and establish its foothold in the now-booming artificial intelligence market," Anaconda said in the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Intel and attorneys for Anaconda declined to comment on the case.

Anaconda said in the lawsuit that more than one million companies have adopted its software for integrating different programs used to create AI platforms, which is free to use for individuals and small businesses.

The complaint said that Intel's license to Anaconda's software expired and that Intel ignored Anaconda's overtures to renew it.

Anaconda accused Intel of continuing to use its software for AI platform development without a valid license. Anaconda also said that Intel unlawfully integrated its software into the chip giant's own AI toolkit and distributed it to other developers without permission.

The lawsuit requested an unspecified amount of monetary damages and an order for Intel to stop misusing Anaconda's software.

The case is Anaconda Inc v. Intel Corp, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, No. 1:24-cv-00925.