News: LEDs
19 May 2023
Seoul Semi gains permanent injunction in Europe against infringing LED products
South Korean LED maker Seoul Semiconductor Co Ltd says that the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf, Germany, has issued a final judgement confirming a permanent injunction for infringement of its patent against multiple LED companies’ LEDs.
The judgement extends to LED products from Everlight Electronics Co Ltd, which were distributed globally through Mouser Electronics Inc, as well as LED products from LED Engin merged into Osram GmbH. The German Supreme Court also confirmed the validity of Seoul’s patent in July 2022 by dismissing a patent invalidation lawsuit brought by the accused infringer.
Starting in June, the Unitary Patents system will be implemented in Europe. Under this new system, patent infringement judgements from the Unified Patent Court will simultaneously take effect in 17 European countries, including Germany, France and Italy. As a result, the deterrent effect of patent infringement judgements has significantly increased, contributing to establishing a culture that respects intellectual property rights, says Seoul Semi.
Seoul and its affiliates have hence obtained 14 permanent injunction judgements against manufacturers and distributors of infringing products in the USA and Europe over the past five years. These judgements also include permanent injunctions, an order of recall and destruction against filament LED bulbs manufactured by a Phillips brand affiliate.
“While emphasizing ESG management, some large LED companies are merely buying and distributing infringing products under their brands in the market without manufacturing activities,” says Seoul Semi’s CEO Myeng-Ki Hong. “Also, some global finished goods companies continue to purchase and use these infringing products, despite being aware of the infringement,” he adds. “Seoul will continue to take necessary measures against infringing companies.”
