The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether Nvidia structured its 2025 deal with AI chip startup Groq to evade antitrust review. Nvidia labeled the multi-billion dollar agreement a non-exclusive licensing agreement rather than a formal acquisition.
The deal granted Nvidia a license to Groq's chip technology and included hiring key executives, such as founder Jonathan Ross. Regulators are monitoring these arrangements because they allow firms to secure talent and intellectual property without triggering mandatory merger reviews.
The DOJ reportedly sent Nvidia a formal request for information following the deal's announcement in December 2025.