Ever wondered why it is so important to get your products patent production? The 2024 German patent infringement lawsuit involving Dutch lighting company Signify sheds light on why patenting your invention is important. Let’s take a look at some of the key elements:
1. The Patent Infringement Lawsuit
After a court determined that Signify, a leading manufacturer of lighting goods worldwide, had violated Seoul Semiconductor’s patents on LED light technology, the firm was forced to recall a number of its products sold since 2017. The case was brought to German courts by Seoul Semiconductor, a South Korean company, alleging that Signify had used its patented designs without authorization.
2. The Affected Products
A number of Signify’s LED lighting products that were discovered to use patented technology from Seoul Semiconductor are subject to the recall. Signify must now stop selling these items and take them off the market. Seoul Semiconductor, which has sued multinational companies over patents, said it uses about 10% of its revenue in research and development and holds more than 18,000 patents in light-emitting diode technology.
3. Damages for Patent Violation
Apart from the product recall, Signify is also responsible for compensating Seoul Semiconductor for the patent violation by paying damages. The court in Dusseldorf ordered distributor Conrad Electronic to take the actions and said there would be a fine of up to 250,000 euros ($259,925) for each violation of its order, Seoul Semiconductor said in a statement.
4. Legal Implications for Signify
This case emphasizes how crucial it is to make sure that every product complies with patent regulations, particularly in sectors like technology and lighting that are extremely innovative and competitive. To prevent such infringements, Signify will have to examine its product designs and make necessary modifications.
5. Broader Industry Message
All businesses in the industrial and technology sectors are reminded by the verdict of how crucial it is to protect intellectual property rights. The case serves as a reminder that patent infringement may result in expensive court cases as well as major business interruptions like recalls and harm to one’s image.
Author: Antas Deep, Legal Intern at PA Legal.
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