3M ALLEGES SAMSUNG VIOLATED PATENTS ON DLP TVs
3M has filed suit alleging the light engines built into Samsung’s DLP-based rear projection TVs infringe patents on light engine design technology that 3M acquired when it bought Corning Precision Lens (CPL) 2 years ago.
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3M, which took similar action against InFocus in Jan., said in a U.S. Dist. Court, Minneapolis, complaint that Samsung was violating a patent issued to Corning in 1996 that describes a method in which light passes through a prism onto on array of reflecting elements adjustable between the first and 2nd positions. Light reflected from each element in the first position reenters the prism and passes into a lens, while that from the 2nd does not. 3M competes with InFocus and JDS Uniphases’ OCLI in marketing light engines. CPL, which is a major lens supplier for CRT-based rear projection TVs, pushed into the light engine business with the emergence of microdisplay-based sets.
The suit seeks damages and a preliminary injunction barring Samsung from further infringement. Its outcome will be watched closely, given that Samsung is the dominant supplier of DLP-based rear projection TVs with 7 models, and that a range of other companies including LG Electronics, Mitsubishi and Thomson will field models. Samsung and 3M officials weren’t available for comment at our deadline.