Sharp Sues AUO For Patent Infringement

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 1/25/2011

Mahwah, N.J. - Sharp said Monday it has filed patent infringement complaints with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Taiwanese-based LCD panel manufacturer AU Optronics and certain manufacturers using AUO panels in finished TV products.

In two complaints, which were filed at the U.S. District Court for Delaware, Sharp alleges that the LCD panels and LCD modules manufactured by AUO, and any LCD televisions and monitors sold in the United States using AUO panels, infringe Sharp LCD technology patents.

A Sharp spokesperson later listed TV vendors using AUO's panels as BenQ, Haier Group, LG Electronics, Sanyo Electronics, TCL and Vizio.

Several of the companies reached by TWICE yesterday declined to comment on the action.

 Sharp said it is seeking an order prohibiting imports and sales of these products in the U.S. and additional compensatory damages. AUO was listed as the only defendant.

Sharp said it intends to file additional lawsuits once it confirms that other products incorporating AUO's LCD panels or LCD modules infringe its patents.