In a lawsuit currently unfolding against Intel Corp., which has been accused by Transmeta Corp. of infringing on 10 patents, Intel is making use of a relatively new government process, known as inter partes re-examination. This process is becoming an increasingly popular way for accused infringers to get patents invalidated. It's far less costly than litigation, and even if the patent is upheld, a stall in court proceedings increases the likelihood of a settlement