Sony is hitting LG with accusations that the South Korean company violated US trade rules by importing mobile phones and modems that infringed Sony patents, according to Reuters. If successful, Sony’s complaint to the US International Trade Commission could block LG from importing phones to the USA. A separate Los Angeles federal court filing is seeking fines.
The patents in the suit involve audio and microphone devices in phones, caller ID technology and transmission power. Life isn’t so good for LG, as the company also infringed on patents of some of Sony’s licensees, including Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and Nokia.
More than ten LG phones were listed in the complaint, including the Encore, LG Accolade, Neon, Quantum, Rumor Touch and others.
LG spokesman John Taylor said in an email that it is company policy not to discuss pending litigation. Spokeswoman Na Joo-Young told AFP: “Based on results of our review, we will take action and actively respond” to Sony’s move.
The ITC case is In re: Certain Mobile Phones and Modems, U.S. International Trade Commission, No. 337-TA. The California case is Sony Corp. v. LG Electronics USA Inc. et al, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, No. 2:10-09967.
