Samsung has become the focus of a commercial investigation in the United States following a formal complaint filed by Netlist. This case is directly related to memory chips that are essential in servers supporting much of the artificial intelligence services.
According to Reuters, the analysis of the situation also extends to products marketed by Google, Nvidia, Broadcom, and Super Micro Computer, as these companies use the components in question.
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated proceedings to verify whether memory chips manufactured by Samsung infringe on patents registered by the American company Netlist. The complaint specifically focuses on DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), which is crucial for the temporary storage of data processed by processors.
These components are vital for servers running AI applications in large data centers. Netlist requested that the USITC impose a block on the importation of the questioned chips and the products incorporating them, as well as prohibiting their sale in the American market.
This new case represents another development in a long legal dispute between the two corporations regarding high-performance memory technologies. In 2024, a jury in Texas ruled that Samsung should pay Netlist $118 million (equivalent to about R$ 601.8 million) for infringing patents related to data processing in memory. One year earlier, a previous decision established compensation of $303 million (approximately R$ 1.55 billion) in a similar lawsuit.
Currently, a USITC judge is responsible for examining the evidence and issuing a preliminary ruling, which can still be reviewed by the commission itself.
The investigation comes at a time of strong growth in demand for infrastructure dedicated to artificial intelligence. Technology companies are increasing their investments in data centers, which raises the need for memories produced by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. Reuters points out that this movement has also driven up the prices of these components.
The USITC has up to 45 days to establish the case schedule. If it decides to restrict the importation or marketing of the items under scrutiny, this measure will take immediate effect and can only be reversed by the U.S. Trade Representative within a 60-day period.
It is important to note that the opening of this case does not automatically imply patent infringement, but rather puts pressure on a strategic supply chain for the AI sector. While the commission evaluates the arguments presented by both Netlist and Samsung, manufacturers and other companies using these memories are closely monitoring the development of the case. The final outcome may influence not only the two involved companies but also a market increasingly dependent on servers and data centers to keep pace with the progress of artificial intelligence.
Kim Yong-kwan, a Samsung executive, stated that the company may record a profit in 2026 that will surpass the amount accumulated over the last forty years. This growth reflects the significant increase in demand for DRAM memory intended for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
According to the executive, the company is expected to meet its goal for the current fiscal year, projecting revenue close to US$ 217 billion, which is equivalent to about R$ 1.5 trillion. The South Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily reported that Kim Yong-kwan stated at a general meeting that the operational profit for the year will meet market expectations, surpassing Samsung's total profit since entering the semiconductor segment.
The South Korean manufacturer, along with competitors SK Hynix and Micron, experienced an 85.8% growth in profits compared to the last fiscal quarter of 2025. In this scenario, Samsung's market share grew substantially, nearly doubling its sales.
Additionally, Samsung has the potential to surpass Nvidia's performance, currently considered the most valuable company in the technology sector. While the GPU manufacturer recorded a profit of US$ 53.4 billion in the first fiscal quarter, Samsung could reach US$ 55.1 billion in the second quarter alone.
The increased need for DRAM memories for AI data centers generates a secondary effect: Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix have begun focusing on producing server chips, decreasing the supply of components aimed at consumer electronics. This shortage of memory is already intensely affecting the industry, where high demand and lower availability of RAM chips result in price increases.
Ethan Tan, a former Samsung executive in China, predicts that prices will rise by 40% in the second fiscal quarter, followed by further adjustments of up to 30% in the subsequent period. Apple has also adjusted its prices and is expected to increase them further, while Sony plans to change the release schedule for the next PlayStation. Samsung itself has signaled that the chip shortage should intensify in 2027 and has already implemented price increases in the Galaxy line in the United States.
As reported by the portal Wccftech, there has been a 90% increase in prices charged by Samsung. Specifically, 12 GB LPDD5X memory units have increased by US$ 68.80 since the beginning of 2026, now costing US$ 145, which corresponds to approximately R$ 749.
