In response to Nichia’s announcement of the final result of the patent lawsuit in Germany, Everlight reported that Nichia’s patent in Europe has expired in 2017 and that the result does not affect Everlight’s current products.

The patent lawsuit was filed by Nichia in 2012 accusing Everlight of patent infringement with Everlight’s six white LED products. With the final judgment dated December 22nd, 2016, the Düsseldorf Court of Appeal had confirmed the infringement of Nichia’s YAG patent by Everlight. Yet, Everlight has requested from German Federal Court of Justice for allowance of a further appeal against the judgment of the Düsseldorf Court of Appeal concerning the YAG patent EP 936 682 (DE 697 02 929) of Nichia Corporation.

Nichia announced on October 23rd that as Everlight has withdrawn its request to the German Federal Court of Justice, the German Court has confirmed the infringement of Nichia’s YAG patent by Everlight. Meanwhile, Everlight claimed that it has withdrawn the request as Nichia’s patents have expired and currently they do not affect Everlight’s products.

(Image: Everlight)

The two LED companies have reported the results of their patent lawsuits in different countries recently. On October 12th Everlight announced its victory in the U.S. as the Supreme Court of the United Stated has confirmed the invalidity of Nichia’s claims about the YAG patent. Soon after the announcement, Nichia reported that in Japan, the Tokyo District Court has rejected Everlight’s claims which accuse Nichia, Citizen and Daiko of patent infringement regarding their lighting fixture with COB products.