# Synaptics patent claims stop work on DisplayLink drivers

> Synaptics patents block Linux driver development for DisplayLink docks.
- Title: Synaptics patent claims stop work on DisplayLink drivers · Lwn
- Summary: Synaptics patents block Linux driver development for DisplayLink docks. Synaptics issued patent claims that stopped a Linux driver developer from improving…
- Keywords: synaptics, displaylink, vino driver, llm, patent infringement, open invention network, linux kernel, dl3 protocol, displaylink manager, evdi, Lwn
- Source: Lwn — https://lwn.net/SubscriberLink/1102549/acbc92e00cee3a3f
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: synaptics, displaylink, vino driver, llm, patent infringement, open invention network, linux kernel, dl3 protocol, displaylink manager, evdi, technology, startups
## Patent claims stop driver work
Mike Lothian tried to improve DisplayLink dock drivers on Linux using LLM assistance but faced patent claims from Synaptics.

> If you have knowledge of the DisplayLink DL3 control-plane engagement sequence, or ideas for isolating a whole-bus timing/ordering property a per-channel diff cannot see, help would be very welcome
## DisplayLink dock issues
Lothian's dock crashed under Linux, so he developed a Rust-based driver called Vino to fix compatibility.
## Synaptics legal response
Synaptics sent a cease-and-desist notice demanding Lothian stop driver development and withdraw submissions.

> The reason I'm writing is that DisplayLink is not an open standard. The protocol, codec, and other technologies used by DisplayLink devices are proprietary to Synaptics and are protected by a substantial portfolio of patents in a number of jurisdictions, including the UK
## Patent claims details
Synaptics listed 125 patents covering DisplayLink's architecture and demanded Lothian stop work by August 28.
## OIN protection attempt
Lothian sought Open Invention Network help but OIN said their protections didn't cover codec implementations.

> OIN's conclusion was that, since codecs are explicitly not covered by OIN's Linux System Definition, its protections did not extend to Lothian's attempted kernel contributions
## Deadline extension
Lothian asked for deadline extension to October 18 after Synaptics claimed he was infringing patents.
## Vino driver status
Lothian's Vino driver works with three generations of DL3 docks without vendor software.
## Patent claims escalation
Synaptics demanded $25,000 compensation per week for patent infringement if Lothian didn't comply.

> monetary compensation from you in the amount of US$25,000 to recoup the costs and effort required to create the attached documentation of your infringing acts
## OIN referral
OIN referred Lothian to a UK lawyer but he took down his GitHub repository to comply with Synaptics.
## Current status
Lothian stopped Vino driver work on Linux but may continue with non-patented components.

> Vino itself has to remain local until this is sorted out, I just can't afford to defend myself against Synaptics
## Synaptics' position
Synaptics claims DisplayLink is not an OIN member and its technology can't be licensed through OIN.

> DisplayLink is not a member of OIN, and none of its technology is licensable through OIN or any other organization
## Patent claims impact
Synaptics' patent claims stopped work on improving DisplayLink dock compatibility with Linux.
## LLM assistance
Lothian used LLM to help develop Vino driver but faced patent claims from Synaptics.
## DisplayLink technology
DisplayLink uses proprietary DL3 technology to compress video, audio and USB channels over USB 3.
## Vino driver progress
Lothian's Vino driver could control three generations of DL3 docks without vendor software.
## Patent claims resolution
Lothian stopped Vino driver work on Linux but may continue with non-patented components.
## Key takeaway

Synaptics issued patent claims that stopped a Linux driver developer from improving DisplayLink dock compatibility.