The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) today filed a lawsuit against Intel, charging the company with violating a key patent for its Core 2 Duo processor design. WARF claims that the Core 2's code prediction technology infringes on a similar 1998 invention from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. By using the technology to increase the amount of parallel work accomplished by its processors, Intel is effectively stealing the University's intellectual property, according to the complaint.

WARF also explains that it had discussed the licensing the concept to Intel as early as 2001 but that Intel did not appear to react until the Core 2 began using the disputed technology without permission. As a result, the researchers are asking a Western District of Wisconsin court to issue an injunction blocking Intel from selling Core 2 Duo processors in addition to paying damages.

Intel has not publicly responded to the claims but would be heavily impacted by a WARF victory in the suit. The Core 2 line, which includes the Core 2 Extreme and Core 2 Quad, forms the backbone of Intel's semiconductor business.