LPKF Sues Cellphone Maker for Infringement

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG is suing an undisclosed mobile-phone manufacturer for infringing on its patented Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) antenna manufacturing process for cellphones and tablets.

The number of infringements on this patent has increased based on the technology’s increased popularity, LPKF said. After the preliminary patent loss in China, LPKF is now taking legal action against an undisclosed manufacturer who is using electronic devices that, in the opinion of the company, are infringing the LDS patent.

“Our patent has been and continues to be valid in all other important markets worldwide, and covers the entire LDS process,” said CEO Dr. Ingo Bretthauer. “We will not only take legal action against electronics producers, but also those who use the parts in their products.”

In an ongoing lawsuit, LPKF is taking legal action in Germany against a large international manufacturer using LDS components in the manufacture of mobile phones. The components were not manufactured on LPKF systems, the company said, therefore they are not licensed. The case is pending; oral arguments will be heard in January 2014.

LPKF manufactures machines and lasers systems for use in solar cell production, electronics fabrication, automotive and medical technology.

For more information, visit: www.lpkf.de