Readers' reactions to a recent Micron cover story in a consumer electronics journal:
Yea, I have some feedback on the Micron cover story.
Great, with all that money Micron will be able to afford the huge damages they are going to have to pay after the Rambus anti trust trial finishes with them. And not to mention DRAM royalties going forward. Just wait 'till the DOJ docs come out.
Jack Lane, retired, St.Louis, Rambus shareholder
Regarding the Micron story, I was astounded by this paragraph:
"On top of that, Micron on several occasions has been charged with DRAM price fixing and is involved in a lengthy patent dispute with Rambus. One Micron employee was found guilty of obstruction of justice in 2003 with respect to the price-fixing allegations."
The fact of the matter is that Micron may be granted leniency because of its cooperation. That price-fixing scandal was lead by none other than Micron, and has resulted in nearly a billion dollars in fines imposed by the DOJ on the other memory makers (Samsung, Hynix, Elpida and Infineon).
The conduct of these companies was intended first and foremost to put Rambus out of business and thereby avoid paying royalties. They nearly succeeded by getting Rambus out of Intel's roadmap, but then got caught after jacking up DRAM prices in unison, which was best described by Michael Dell as "cartel-like behavior."
I find it repulsive that you glorify a company like Micron and its leader Appleton.
For balance, let me direct you to www.rambus.org , where you will find a vastly different take on the "facts" as you described them. Perhaps you can write a follow-up piece with more balance after that education.
Shane (last name held by request), a CPA in California
