Patent battles reignited as Osram and Nichia file
Osram Opto Semiconductors and Nichia have ignited more legal battles in the GaN-based LED space with two filings over patent infringement.
The lawsuits are not between the two LED heavyweights, however. Osram has filed against Taiwan-based Kingbright and its German subsidiary, saying that it has infringed patents covering white and surface-mount LEDs.
Osram is hoping to obtain both a restraining order and compensation from Kingbright, and intends to prevent imports to Germany of Kingbright products containing the LEDs in question.
The specific technologies covered by the patents include phosphors used to convert blue emission from an InGaN chip into white light, as well as details of electrical connections and housing designs.
Osram launched a similar claim against Malaysian firm Dominant Semiconductor recently, but was only partially successful (see related story).
Meanwhile Nichia has filed against Germany-based Moeller Electric in the Osaka District Court. This lawsuit focuses on blue LEDs, with Nichia also seeking damages and an injunction.