US patent firm alleges LCD patent infringement by LG Electronics

LG Electronics Yeouido headquarters Yonhap — LG Electronics' headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul/ Yonhap

SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - A U.S. intellectual property management company has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission, accusing LG Electronics and several other television manufacturers of infringing patents covering liquid crystal display (LCD) technology.

BH Innovations LLC named South Korea’s LG, China’s Hisense and TCL, and U.S.-based Vizio as respondents in the case, according to data released Thursday by the patent information platform RPX.

The company alleges the manufacturers violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act by importing products that use LCD panels covered by its patents.

The firm is seeking an import ban on televisions and other products that incorporate the disputed technology.

In a notice published in the Federal Register, the commission invited public comments on how a potential ban might affect U.S. health, welfare, competitive conditions and consumer access to similar goods. The ITC also asked whether BH Innovations or third-party suppliers would have the capacity to meet demand should imports from the named companies be blocked.

BH Innovations is described by analysts as a patent assertion entity — sometimes called a “patent troll” — that acquires or licenses intellectual property and pursues litigation against large manufacturers, typically aiming to secure licensing fees or trade restrictions.

Such disputes are common in the consumer electronics industry, where control of component patents can shape supply chains and market access.

The ITC has not yet ruled on whether it will initiate a formal investigation.

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com