Dominant also claims victory in Osram patent case

Dominant Semiconductors has taken a slightly different view from Osram over the ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in the patent dispute between the two rival LED manufacturers (see also Osram Opto wins patent action in USA against Dominant".)

According to a press release issued by Dominant, the ITC has determined that there is no violation by Dominant with respect to five out of the eight patents brought forward by Osram GmbH.

Download the ITC ruling (PDF, 1.8 MB)

The five patents where no infringement was found describe technologies relating to white-light emission. The other three patents, where infringement was identified, concern LED packaging technology, particularly for high-power LEDs in automotive lighting applications.

The ITC initially ruled that Dominant's products infringed the five patents relating to white LEDs, but Dominant pointed out that its white LEDs were modified since the action was filed. Osram maintains that the modified devices still infringe its patents, but the ITC ruled this was not the case.

“This determination supports our stand that Dominant respects intellectual property rights," said a Dominant spokesperson. "We possess our own unique know-how and will continue to develop new technologies.”

As for the patent infringement in PLCC-4 package or power LEDs, Dominant says that no literal infringement was found but an equivalent infringement was concluded. “Much innovation has been put into our PLCC-4 product line and we believe that our product has its own merits,” said the Dominant spokesperson.

Nevertheless, says Dominant, it "respects the determination" and will take further actions to remedy this matter.

Dominant says that the decision "opens the door for Dominant Semiconductors Sdn. Bhd. to compete aggressively in the US white LED market."