NeoMagic has launched a legal action against Trident Microsystems, claiming infringement of its patents. But Trident has hit back and said the litigation was filed without any warning and will be defended vigorously. Frank Lin, president and CEO of Trident, was quoted in a public statement as saying: "It is disappointing that NeoMagic would resort to litigation, but not surprising given the marketplace momentum of Trident's newest generation of embedded 3D notebook controllers and resulting potential business loss to NeoMagic. This appears to be a diversionary tactic on the part of NeoMagic to confuse customers and protect its market share." He added that Trident would "aggressively" defend itself and would not be intimidated by what he described as "meritless claims". ®