USTPAB Invalidates Enplas Backlight Patent on AIA Review

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.

For further detils on the ruling please click here

Disclaimers of Warranties
1. The website does not warrant the following:
1.1 The services from the website meets your requirement;
1.2 The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the service;
1.3 The accuracy, reliability of conclusions drawn from using the service;
1.4 The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness, or security of any information that you download from the website
2. The services provided by the website is intended for your reference only. The website shall be not be responsible for investment decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from use of the website or the information contained therein<
Proprietary Rights
You may not reproduce, modify, create derivative works from, display, perform, publish, distribute, disseminate, broadcast or circulate to any third party, any materials contained on the services without the express prior written consent of the website or its legal owner.

LEDVANCE is proud to announce that three of its most innovative lighting solutions have won recognition in the 2025 Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Progress Report, a prestigious annual showcase of advancements in lighting technology. T... READ MORE

XLamp® CTW LEDs bring lighting flexibility to life New XLamp® CTW Series – Two-Channel CCT-Tunable White COB LEDs Cree LED’s XLamp CTW Series redefines CCT-tunable COB LEDs with unmatched lumen density, efficiency and de... READ MORE