The battle for technological dominance in artificial intelligence supercomputing has taken a new turn in Europe. The German company ParTec AG, along with its licensing partner BF exaQC AG, has filed a new lawsuit against NVIDIA Corporation at the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Munich.
The company accuses the American tech giant of infringing on one of its key patents related to the core architecture of AI supercomputers, specifically concerning the arrangement and interaction of microprocessors like CPUs and GPUs.
ParTec is requesting a court order to prevent NVIDIA from distributing essential products from its DGX line within the 18 European countries protected by this patent. Additionally, they seek the disclosure of prior sales and compensation for damages.
The core of the dispute revolves around the Dynamic Modular System Architecture (dMSA), a technology developed and patented by ParTec after more than 15 years of research.
The dMSA enables dynamic assignment of computational processes to different types of microprocessors, optimizing the collaborative operation of CPUs and GPUs even during ongoing operations. This flexibility is crucial in supercomputers designed for AI, where workloads constantly shift and require high adaptability.
This technology is not just theoretical; it is already in use in some of Europe’s largest supercomputers, reinforcing ParTec’s position as a key player in the continent’s digital infrastructure.
According to ParTec itself, contact with NVIDIA began in 2019 when the two explored potential collaboration. At that time, ParTec shared sensitive information about its ParaStation software, along with copies of its patents and the dMSA architecture, with the American manufacturer.
Although a joint development was never realized, NVIDIA continued collaborating with ParTec on European supercomputing projects, supplying GPUs for some of the most powerful systems on the continent.
The breaking point came after ParTec recently filed another lawsuit against Microsoft in Texas, USA, over the same patents. The German company claims that this legal action led NVIDIA to close the door to future agreements in Europe, adding a layer of competitive tension and possible antitrust implications.
ParTec’s CEO, Bernhard Frohwitter, has been direct:
“NVIDIA and Microsoft, in particular, use our patented dMSA technology, which is essential to operate AI supercomputing infrastructure. The nearly absolute US monopoly in this field places European companies in a dangerous dependency position.”
He emphasized that Europe’s strategic position as a technological hub is at stake, warning that the company cannot accept its intellectual property being used without compensation while simultaneously being blocked from collaborating on new projects.
The conflict goes far beyond royalty disputes. It centers on who will control the critical technologies that enable the training of the most advanced AI models.
- NVIDIA, with its domination of GPUs and systems like DGX, has become the cornerstone of current generative AI and supercomputers.
- ParTec, on the other hand, aims to establish a European and sovereign path in supercomputing, with proprietary technologies like the dMSA and its ParaStation Modulo software.
If the UPC rules in favor of the German company, the impact could be significant: restrictions on DGX sales in Europe could directly affect AI projects by companies, governments, and research centers.
Founded in Germany, ParTec has specialized in high-performance supercomputing (HPC) and quantum computing. Its focus has been on designing modular systems capable of adapting to various workloads, with a strong emphasis on AI.
Beyond hardware manufacturing, the company offers consulting and technical support for the design and operation of modern supercomputers. Its software, ParaStation, and its modular approach are already used in critical European infrastructure projects, giving it considerable influence in Europe’s digital strategy.
The lawsuit takes place amid growing technological tensions between the US and Europe. While Washington vigorously protects its tech champions, Brussels is promoting initiatives like the European Chips Act to reduce external dependency.
The decision from Munich could set a precedent for defending European intellectual property against U.S. giants. For ParTec, this issue is more than just financial compensation — it’s about technological sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ParTec’s dMSA?
It’s a dynamic, modular architecture that enables flexible assignment of computing processes between CPUs and GPUs, optimizing supercomputer and AI system performance.Why is ParTec suing NVIDIA?
Because it believes the American company is using its patented technology without permission, affecting its business and Europe’s technological independence.What would be the impact of banning DGX sales in Europe?
It could delay AI projects in universities, research centers, and companies reliant on these machines for training advanced models.What role does digital sovereignty play here?
The case reflects broader debates on Europe’s need to develop its own critical technologies to avoid excessive dependence on the US or China.
via: EQS News