UK-based nanotechnology company Nanoco Group PLC said on Monday that it filed a patent infringement lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co. and its affiliates.
According to the quantum dot (QD) producer, it filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The nanomaterial developer claims that Samsung willfully infringed its patents relating to quantum dots and said seeks a permanent injunction from further acts of infringement and significant monetary damages.
Quantum dot technology is used to produce vibrant screen displays.
The lawsuit contends that Samsung used Nanoco’s quantum dot technology in its QLED TVs, infringing on five of Nanoco’s patents for film resin use and synthesis for quantum dots.
Nanoco argues that each of the defendants, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, Samsung Display Co Ltd, Samsung Electronics America, and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Visual Display, widely violated Nanoco’s patented technologies without entering an agreement or licensing.
The company said that all five businesses stated in the lawsuit are involved in the production and sale of televisions that utilize quantum dots.
Nanoco’s Chairman Christopher Richards said that historically, the group collaborated with Samsung on advancing enhanced quantum dot and other material technologies for LCD modules. Under the agreement, Nanoco revealed its technology with accompanying samples; however, the Korean company shortly ended the partnership.
Richards added that they were disappointed when Samsung ended their collaboration and then showcased its quantum dot-based televisions at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show and launched the first QLED TV in 2017 without entering into either a supply or a licensing agreement with Nanoco.
Meanwhile, Nanoco said it is continuing to review its strategic options, which includes a potential sale of the company. The company added that its expectation for cash on hand would remain in line with past communications.
Samsung, in a statement, said that they are reviewing the related patents cited by Nanoco and actively respond to its claims.
In 2016, Samsung acquired U.S-based QD technology company QD Vision in a proactive move to better respond with a potential patent lawsuit. California-based nanotech company Nanosis also engaged with the Korean tech company for quantum dot development in the past.
