OSAKA (Kyodo) Sharp Corp. said Tuesday it has initiated litigation against Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp. and six other manufacturers that use liquid crystal display panels assembled by AUO because they are infringing on its patented LCD technology.
Sharp is seeking an injunction on sales of LCD panels and TVs that use its technology in the U.S., while demanding damages from AUO in two complaints filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission and the District Court for Delaware.
The six firms that Sharp alleges use AUO panels made with its knowhow include South Korea's LG Electronics Inc. and China's Haier Group.
Between 2006 and last year, Sharp licensed its patented LCD technology to AUO, but negotiations to renew the contract broke down.
Sharp says it has taken the legal steps to prevent AUO from utilizing Sharp's expertise beyond the expiration of the licensing agreement.