Nichia, the noted Japan-based LED firm, on 29th June filed a lawsuit with the Düsseldorf District Court in Germany against Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC Corp. and e-commerce solution provider Digital River Ireland Ltd., accusing them of the infringement of its LED patent.

(Image: LUMITRONIX)

Nichia alleged that the white LED used in HTC’s flagship model- the HTC U Ultra- infringed a YAG related patent of Nichia EP 0936682 (DE 69702929). It aimed to seek damages and compensation from the phone maker.

The litigation also involved HTC’s affiliates- HTC Europe Co. Ltd. and HTC Germany GmbH- as well as Digital River Ireland Ltd.. The e-commerce services provider was sued for operating HTC’s European online store and providing online commerce solutions.

It was not the first time Nichia took legal actions against HTC. On 18th October 2016, HTC Corp.’s subsidiary HTC Nippon Corporation faced a lawsuit over the infringement of Nichia’s Japanese patents JP5177317 and JP5610056 as one HTC smartphone (product name: HTC Desire 626) featured accused white LED.

HTC has yet to respond to the accusation and whether it will affect the sales of the HTC U Ultra remained uncertain. On the other hand, Nichia claimed it is determined to protect its patents and other LED-related intellectual properties, and will take any action against alleged infringers whenever and wherever appropriate and necessary.