Osram Targets Samsung, LG with LED Patent Litigation

Lighting manufacturer Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH has filed LED patent infringement lawsuits against two Korea-based LED makers and consumer-electronics companies, Samsung and LG.

Osram said it filed legal actions against Samsung and LG group companies in the US and Germany as well as against an LG group company in Japan. Osram also intends to file a suit against LG in China.

The company claims that Samsung and LG have infringed its patents on white LEDs and surface-mountable LEDs in the US, Germany and, as far as LG is concerned, in Japan and China. (For Samsung's response, see: Samsung Countersues Osram). The legal actions focus on LEDs using technologies protected by Osram patents, the company claims. These technologies relate to electrical and thermal connection structures as well as to phosphor-based conversion technology used to make white LEDs.

White LEDs are used extensively for display backlighting for TV sets and monitors, both of which are product categories that also are manufactured by Samsung and LG.

A number of LED makers have signed royalty-bearing licenses to use Osram’s patents on conversion technology.

“Major competitors such as Philips/Lumileds, Cree and Nichia have acknowledged our strong IP position by entering into cross-license agreements with Osram,” said Aldo Kamper, CEO of Osram.

The company intends to prevent unauthorized use of its technology and is seeking orders from the courts to prevent Samsung and LG from importing and selling infringing LEDs and products containing these LEDs, such as LED-backlit TV sets and computer monitors. In addition, it has applied for compensation.

For more information, visit: www.osram-os.com