USITC institutes Nikon patent probe
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has instituted a patent infringement probe into digital cameras sold by Japan-based Nikon.
ASML, a manufacturer of semiconductor lithography systems, and its optical component supplier Carl Zeiss (a company) filed a complaint against Nikon in April.
This was preceded by Nikon waging war on the companies, in a series of legal actions which alleged that ASML and Carl Zeiss had used Nikon’s patented technology in ASML’s lithography systems.
ASML and Carl Zeiss hit back with their own series of patent infringement claims filed in Japan and the US in April.
According to the claims, Nikon has infringed more than ten patents covering a range of camera products.
On Friday, May 26, the ITC announced its investigation into Nikon’s cameras, which include image sensors and image-processing software.
ASML and Carl Zeiss requested that the ITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.
A Nikon spokesperson said: "The ASML and Zeiss complaint came days after Nikon sued them for infringing patents on lithography technology that Nikon developed and uses. By contrast, ASML and Zeiss assert only patents they have purchased from a third party.
The spokesperson added that Nikon firmly believes that ASML and Zeiss purchased the patents as a "retaliatory litigation tactic and without any genuine intention to put those patents to commercial use".
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox
Today’s top stories
University of Tennessee sues software company for patent infringement
Morrison & Foerster adds six from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
