Nvidia denies receiving a Department of Justice subpoena regarding antitrust investigation into its market dominance.

Nvidia Corp. responded to a Bloomberg News report about the US Department of Justice conducting an antitrust probe by clarifying that while it has been in contact with the government agency, it has not been subpoenaed. The Department of Justice has sent a civil investigative demand—commonly referred to as a subpoena—seeking information about Nvidia's acquisition of RunAI and aspects of its chip business, according to one person with direct knowledge of the matter. In its statement, Nvidia said: "We have inquired with the US Department of Justice and have not been subpoenaed. Nonetheless, we are happy to answer any questions regulators may have about our business."

The probe, which was previously reported in June, involves the DOJ's San Francisco office taking the lead in running the inquiry, with investigators contacting other technology companies to gather information. The investigation focuses on regulatory concerns that Nvidia is making it harder to switch to other suppliers and penalizes buyers that don't exclusively use its artificial intelligence chips, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. A representative for the DOJ declined to comment.

Regulators have specifically been investigating the purchase of RunAI, a transaction announced in April, which makes software for managing AI computing. There are concerns that the tie-up will make it more difficult for customers to switch away from Nvidia chips. Additionally, regulators are inquiring whether Nvidia gives preferential supply and pricing to customers who use its technology exclusively or buy its complete systems, according to the people.

Nvidia responded to the regulatory scrutiny by emphasizing that its edge in the AI computing market stems from the superiority of its products. "Nvidia wins on merit, as reflected in our benchmark results and value to customers, and customers can choose whatever solution is best for them," the company said in a statement. This response comes as Nvidia has drawn significant regulatory attention since becoming the world's most valuable chipmaker and a key beneficiary of the AI spending boom, with sales more than doubling each quarter and the company having eclipsed onetime chip leaders such as Intel Corp.