A recent ruling made by the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board has invalidated claims of Japanese LED lens manufacturer Enplas patent for a device applied in LCD backlight, which marks a win for rival Seoul Semiconductor, reported Law 360.

Seoul Semiconductor challenged Enplas U.S. Patent Number 7,348,723 B2, titled, "Emission device, surface light source device and light flux control member" in an America Invents Act (AIA) review.

Enplas patent describes a device used to correct uneven surface brightness issues on computer and TV LCD screens. The board found 17 out of the 18 claims were invalid, due to an earlier patent released in 1996,  U.S. Patent 5,577,493, that addressed the same issue.

The ruling is considered a major setback for Enplas. “The ruling indicates TV manufacturers will be able to seek alternative backlight lens solutions, and will no longer be restricted by Enplas lens patent portfolio,” said LEDinside Research Director Roger Chu. “Following the ruling, Chinese and Taiwanese lens manufacturers will also have an opportunity to grab market shares. There are many other Asian lens manufacturers.”

Both Enplas and Seoul Semiconductor have not released any statements addressing the recent legal developments in U.S. However, it can be projected that the current ruling will have a greater impact on the LCD TV market in U.S., and less impact on other regional markets for the time being, added Chu.

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