Sound & Communications News Letter - Following months of back and forth wrangling, a decision has been reached in the patent infringement dispute between Samsung Electronics Co. (Seoul, South Korea) and Sharp Corp. (Osaka, Japan). Samsung has won a US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling that some Sharp LCD televisions and computer monitors infringe one of its patents. As a result, the trade agency said the offending products should be banned from the US. The Washington agency further declared a second patent was not infringed, nullifying a judge's ruling on that issue. Last month, a trade judge declared that Samsung TVs, monitors and professional displays infringe four Sharp patents and recommended Samsung TVs be banned from the US, as well.
In a notice published on its website, the ITC stated unlicensed Sharp LCD products, including display panels and modules, and LCD televisions made overseas that use Samsung's patented technology should be banned from the US. The ban is subject to President Obama’s review, and the underlying patent case can be appealed to a US court specializing in patent law.
A Sharp representative exclusively spoke to Sound & Communications, saying, “While Sharp disagrees with the ITC’s ruling…and is considering an appeal, Sharp has prepared for this outcome. Sharp has already launched new AQUOS, Sharp-branded LCD TV models with technology that is not affected by this ruling. And, thus, there will be no impact to our retail business partners and consumers as a result of this decision. Sharp AQUOS televisions will continue to be available in the United States.”
The representative continued, “There will be a lack of availability of some of Sharp’s PN Series professional monitors, and we have begun to take the necessary steps to limit disruption to our customers. We have moved up production schedules for a new product line, which will be available later this year. In the meantime, we will provide business partners access to our AQUOS line to fulfil any deals in which the product fits their needs. In cases where the AQUOS product does not meet the requirements, we will work with the dealer to find alternative suppliers.”
Samsung did not respond to requests for comment.