Nvidia system builders have to pay SLI tax

DOCUMENTS SEEN by the INQUIRER show that if you're a system builder and want to use Nvidia SLI technology+logo, it's going to cost you, and not just for the cards you buy that you want to integrate into PCs.

Nvidia insists. The terms and conditions may well vary depending on how large a system builder you are, but the document we've seen said that the trademark licence fee is $50 per unit for every unit of an SLI system sold.

Licensees of SLI will also have to provide Nvidia a report showing how many units they've sold, along with money, within thirty days of the sale.

The terms and conditions (Ts&Cs) also suggest that Nvidia or its reps can expect the books of the system builders after giving five days notice to the integrators.

If the audit shows there's underpayment, the integrators have to pay up the shortfall within 15 days, plus interest, if applicable.

In return, the licensees get to use the Nvidia SLI logo, provided they obey the guidelines. Further, integrators have to give Nvidia a system configuration list and a sample PC so that other parts of the PCs are certified partners.

In return, Nvidia will provide the integrators with artwork, will help to promote the partner, assist with advertising, press releases and the like, and will also give "reasonable" tech support to the integrator. µ