Sony Claims LG Infringed on Patents for Certain Smartphones

Sony (NYSE:SNE) filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission seeking to block LG Electronics and others from shipping certain patented smartphones and modems into the U.S.

The Japanese tech company filed the patent-infringement complaint late Wednesday to address the unlawful importation and sale into and within the U.S. of certain Sony mobile phones and modems covered by U.S. patents.

The mobile phones and modems involved are compatible with certain third generation and fourth generation telecommunication standards and include features such as audio recording, digital cameras, and display of facial images associated with specific contacts.

The patent infringement deals with more than 10 Sony phones, including its Accolade, Cosmos, Encore, enV Touch, Fathom, Flance, Rumor 2 and LX370.

“Upon information and belief, LGE is involved in the design, development, manufacture and importation of certain mobile telephones and modems covered” by one or more claims of Sony patents, the company wrote in the filing.

Sony says it is looking to remedy the unlawful importation into the U.S. and sale of its patented products, including those of Sony’s licensees, including Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson.The tech company has requested a cease and desist order directed to LG, based in South Korea, and others.

In a statement, the commission invited comments from the parties and members of the public on any public interest issues raised by the complaint, including whether issuance of an exclusion order or cease and desist order would negatively affect the public health and welfare in the U.S. or competitive conditions in the U.S. economy.

The move follows another complaint received by LG by Taiwanese research company Industrial Technology Research Institute for allegedly infringing on 22 patents involving consumer-electronics products, including mobile phones.