US Firm Files Multiple Lawsuits Against China's HKC and Others Over "LCD Patent Infringement"

ITC Complaint and Request for Import Ban
Multiple Chinese Panel and TV Brands Targeted
"Specific Panels Installed... Violation of Tariff Act"

LG Electronics building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

BH Innovations, believed to be a U.S.-based intellectual property (IP) management firm, has filed a trade lawsuit against Chinese panel manufacturers and global TV brands, including LG Electronics, alleging infringement of its LCD patents.

According to the patent information platform RPX on September 4, BH Innovations recently submitted a complaint to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against Chinese company HKC, as well as TCL, Hisense, LG Electronics, Vizio, and Westinghouse, which are known to use HKC panels in their products.

The company claims that these firms violated Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (which prohibits unfair trade practices arising from intellectual property infringement) by selling products equipped with certain HKC LCD panels. Therefore, BH Innovations is calling for a ban on the import of these products.

Section 337 is a key provision handled by the ITC. If the ITC determines that foreign-manufactured products infringe on intellectual property rights in the United States, it can order an import ban. This provision is also used to prevent unfair trade practices.

Reuters reported that the ITC, through the Federal Register, has requested stakeholders and government agencies to submit their opinions on public interest issues within eight days. This measure is intended to assess the impact of the requested import ban on public health, the economy, and consumer interests in the United States. Additionally, the ITC will examine whether BH Innovations or a third-party supplier can replace the blocked supply within a "commercially reasonable period" after the import is halted.

BH Innovations, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, is a corporation established in Delaware, United States. It is known to acquire or be entrusted with patents from companies specializing in IP management and monetization, and has frequently filed patent lawsuits against large corporations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.