U.S. trade body to probe Sony on Blu-ray

The U.S. International Trade Commission will launch an investigation into Sony and about 30 other companies on possible patent infringements related to Blu-ray disc players and other products.

The commission said Thursday on its Web site that the products involved are short-wavelength light-emitting diodes and laser diodes used in such electronics as handheld mobile devices, traffic lights, and high-definition DVD players.

The move is based on a complaint filed in February by Gertrude Neumark Rothschild, a Columbia University professor emeritus who is seeking to block imports into the United States of a range of products that she said were infringing her patent.

Besides Sony, companies cited in the commission's announcement include Nokia, Motorola, LG Electronics, and Panasonic maker Matsushita Electric.

Last month, the Sony-backed Blu-ray format won the battle over which standard would rule the high-definition video world when Toshiba threw in the towel and ditched HD DVD.

A Sony representative said the company wouldn't comment on an ongoing investigation.

Story Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

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2 comments (Page 1 of 1)
It's more than a Sony issue
by Dead Soulman March 21, 2008 6:48 AM PDT
This basically covers everything with a laser attached to it. Even Dr Evil's sharks. Actually, maybe that's why he couldn't get the sharks. Anyway, I hate sensationalist titles. Maybe if they would've used the same writing Engadget did, they wouldn't get the attention.
Reply to this comment
What about other technology?
by Marcus Westrup March 21, 2008 11:40 PM PDT
Wouldn't this patent only cover very specific technology used to produce a specific type of blue diode? Several technologies now exist - many are patented to Japanese companies.
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