Sony, Nokia in patent violation probe

Sony Corp and Nokia Oyj were among 30 companies named in a probe by the US International Trade Commission into allegations they violated a patent for technology used in electronics such as Blu-ray DVD players.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by retired Columbia University professor Gertrude Neumark Rothschild that seeks to block US imports of products she says infringe her patent for light-emitting diodes and laser diodes, a statement on Thursday on the commission's Web site said.

Rothschild made a "seminal breakthrough" in the production of blue, ultraviolet and white light, her lawyer Albert Jacobs of Dreier LLP said in New York last month.

Blue and ultraviolet LEDs, which use less electricity than red LEDs, are used in computers, traffic lights, instrument panels and as the background color for cellphone screens.

Sony spokesman Ikuma Nakagawa declined to comment. Calls to Nokia spokeswoman Arja Suominen's office weren't answered as yesterday was a public holiday in Finland, where she is based.

The ITC is a government agency that aims to protect the US market from unfair trade practices, including patent infringement.

The commission "has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case," the statement said.

Other companies named in the investigation include Matsushita Electric Industrial Co, Hitachi Ltd, Motorola Inc and Toshiba Corp.