Xilinx Wins Patent Case Against Altera
November 17, 2000
Questions and Answers

1. To what or to whom does Xilinx attribute this win?
We owe the success of this case to a lot of hard work over many years by many people on the Xilinx legal team. But more importantly, to the inventors on the patents in the suit: one of our founders, Ross Freeman, invented the architecture for the FPGA as we know it today, and his patent was upheld by this jury. Another early employee of Xilinx, and our current Chief Technology Officer, is Bill Carter, and it was his "special interconnect" invention that improved the performance of the FPGA. The jury also upheld Mr. Carter's patent.

2. Can we expect an appeal from Altera?
We expect Altera to appeal the decision, yes.

3. Are there any other pending suits between Xilinx and Altera?
Yes, there are a number of suits on-going between the two companies.

4. What does Xilinx plan to do next?
We will apply for the issuance of an injunction against all infringing parts sold by Altera.

5. When will the injunction become effective?
An injunction has not been issued yet, so it is premature to speculate on when, if at all, an injunction will become effective.

6. How will Xilinx react to a request for a 'stay' in the injunction if Altera appeals?
Because an injunction has not been issued, it is impossible to speculate.

7. Will Xilinx file for a separate damages trial?
Yes, Xilinx will move toward a damages trial.

8. How long will the damages trial take and when will it begin?
It is too early to answer this question. We are moving for an early trial on damages, but cannot speculate on when it will be scheduled.

9. What, exactly and simply, was the infringement based upon?
Both the Freeman and Carter patents are valid and both patents were infringed.

10. When did Xilinx first produce the architecture that was the basis for this infringement?
The patent application was filed in 1984 and issued in 1989. A reissue was filed in 1991 and was issued by the U.S. Patent Offices in 1993.

11. How long has Altera been shipping these product lines involved in the infringement?
We have not yet undertaken discovery on this portion of the case.

12. Is there an estimate on the number of units shipped that infringe?
We have not yet undertaken discovery on this case. We will be provided with the opportunity to explore that information during the damages portion of the trial. We estimate that over $1 billion of infringing products have been shipped.

13. What is the estimate of damages and royalties as a result of this verdict?
It is too early to speculate on this.

14. What was happening with this case for the last 7 years and why did it take so long?
The case was winding its way through the court system.

15. Who is available for comment from Xilinx?
Contacts are Tamara Snowden, Xilinx Public Relations, (408) 879-6146 or Tom Lavelle, Vice-President and General Counsel, (408) 879-5085