ITC launches an investigation of LG Electronics

THE PATENTS BATTLE between LG Electronics and Sony has escalated into a full-blown war with the launch of an investigation of LG by the US International Trade Commission (ITC).

The probe focuses on Section 337 of the 1930 Tariff Act relating to the imports of display devices such as digital televisions and computer monitors to the US. Sony filed the complaint in early February, claiming that LG was infringing its patents.

The investigation follows a similar one launched against Sony by the ITC on Monday after receiving complaints from LG about alleged patent infringement. LG is targeting Blu-ray technology, which led to the seizure of Playstation 3 consoles in the Netherlands recently.

Both the South Korean and American divisions of LG were named as subjects of the investigation.

The ITC will have 45 days to set a target completion date for its investigation, which is likely to take some time now that both parties are being investigated.

Just like LG, Sony wants a cease and desist order in place to prevent its rival from importing infringing products until licensing royalties are agreed and paid. µ