Sony filed a civil suit yesterday with the ITC in an attempt to block LG Electronics from shipping cell phones into the US on the basis of patent infringement. Bloomberg reports that Sony argues LG products such as the Lotus Elite, Neon, Remarq, Vu Plus, LX370, Rumor 2, and Xenon are just some of the devices that utilize patented Sony technology and do so without the electronic giant’s permission. Sony also claims LG (the world’s third largest mobile phone producer, right after Nokia and Samsung) is using its model for LG Blu-ray players.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Sony plans to invest billions in image sensor production (which are used in digital cameras and smartphones), clearly looking to increase its share of the smartphone market. The case Sony is making against LG is looking at patents that relate to phone number listing display, direction keys on smartphones, and signal transmission. Allegedly, LG has been utilizing this signature Sony technology in its own line of portable phones that are reaching US consumers.
Other specifics about the suit have yet to emerge, but what is clear is that Sony is accusing two US-based LG subsidiaries: LG Electronics Mobilecomm USA Inc (otherwise known as LG Mobile Phones, which handles marketing and promotions for mobile phones, wireless notebooks, and accessories) and LG Electronics USA Inc.
Multiple media outlets initially found that the case did not concern patent infringement, but the latest reports insist this is indeed the reason for the suit.
