Optical Filter Tech Supplier Reaches Settlement with LG

California-based tech company Viavi has reached a settlement with Korea’s LG over complaints of patent infringement, the company has announced.

Viavi brought legal action against LG Innotek, LG Electronics, and LG Electronics U.S.A. – as well as Optrontec, another Korean firm – late last year, filing complaints with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) and the US District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaints revolved around Viavi’s optical filter technology, which is used in the 3D motion sensing systems of mobile devices.

In a newly issued statement, Viavi said it has withdrawn its complaints against LG Electronics, but that those against Optrontec still stand.

“Optrontec Inc. has incorporated VIAVI’s patented optical filter design into their optical filters for use in high-end mobile phones and tablet computers featuring facial and gesture recognition technology,” Viavi asserted, adding that it is asking both the ITC and the California court to ban Optrontec from importing infringing optical filter technology to the United States.

Viavi went on to outline how its optical filter technology is used in a typical gesture recognition system, where it transmits infrared light reflected off of an end user to a 3D image sensor, while also blocking ambient light. According to a Business Korea report, Viavi’s technology has been used in smartphone products from Apple.

The terms of Viavi’s settlement with LG Electronics have not been disclosed.

Sources: Viavi, Business Korea

–

January 21, 2020 – by Alex Perala