LG Electronics Inc won a patent-infringement ruling in a bid to block US imports of flat-panel televisions made by Vizio Inc.
US International Trade Commission Judge E. James Gildea said Vizio infringed an LG patent relating to a way to disrupt the use of TVs, such as that by hotels or rent-to-own businesses. Three other patents weren’t violated, the judge said, according to a notice on the commission’s Web site on Friday.
LG, based in Seoul, claimed that some TVs made by closely held Vizio infringed four US patents for display controls, signal transmission for remote controls and on-screen program guide data. The judge’s decision is subject to review by the six-member commission, which can ban imports of certain Vizio TVs if it agrees there was a violation of any of the patents.
A spokesman for Irvine, California-based Vizio had no immediate comment on the findings.
Vizio vies with Samsung Electronics Co for the lead in US sales of LCD TVs. Vizio had lost another ITC patent case, filed by Funai Electric Co, yet was able to alter its TVs to continue sales.
LG filed a separate complaint on Thursday against Vizio at the ITC, claiming infringement of three additional patents. Also named in both complaints was Taipei-based AmTran Technology Co (瑞軒科技), which makes Vizio TVs. LG televisions are assembled in Mexico and the company has facilities in Alabama and California, according to the latest complaint.
LG said on Sept. 4 it aims to sell 35 million LCD televisions next year, 40 percent more than the projected 25 million this year. Sales including plasma TVs may reach 40 million sets next year from 29 million this year, according to Simon Kang, president of LG’s home entertainment division.
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