Top IBM chip designer joins Apple; IBM files lawsuit to block move

One of IBM's top chip executives has agreed to join Apple as a senior executive--a move that has IBM suing in an attempt to block the transfer. Mark Papermaster apparently plans to join Apple in November where he will work closely with Apple CEO Steve Jobs. IBM says that Papermaster, who until recently served in IBM's Blade Development unit, had signed a non-compete agreement that prevents him from accepting a job from a competitor. IBM called Papermaster "IBM's top expert in Power architecture and technology," and says it will "vigorously pursue this case in court." While it will be interesting to see how the lawsuit will play out, speculation is rife, at the moment, as to Apple's chip design directions--especially since Apple also conveniently acquired chip maker P.A. Semi earlier this year.  One also wonders if this will affect the current cozy relationship between IBM and Apple.

To read more about this story:
- check out this New York Times article

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