Sharp LCD panels banned from US import until further notice

Chalk up another huge win for Samsung in its long-running patent dispute with Sharp: the US International Trade Commission has just issued a ruling banning importation of Sharp LCD panels that infringe one of Samsung's viewing-angle patents. As you might imagine, the ban covers a wide swath of Sharp's consumer products, including the Aquos TV line, but it's not clear on how it'll affect other companies that use Sharp panels -- this ruling could potentially have a huge impact on the entire tech market. On the other hand, we'd bet that Sharp's lawyers are furiously putting together a request to have the ban delayed while an appeal is sorted out, so this is far from over -- in fact, we'd say the real fireworks are just beginning.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 24th 2009 5:41PM]

I wonder how Philips and Sony will feel about that, Sharp make panels for them I wonder if they are effected (presumably they must be as they all use Sharp tech)?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 25th 2009 1:31AM]

Well, is the bribery money at least going to bail out US companies? I mean, the first bribery for the injuction by Samsung and the even larger later follow up bribe by Sharp to have it removed?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 25th 2009 2:54PM]

I don't think any manufacturer using Sharp panels will be overly concerned yet. They will begin planning stages for the big "what if?" to come, but for now I'm sure most of the manufacturers have plenty of stock on US soil either in warehouses or distributed to retailers. With the current economic climate I can't imagine retailers selling out before Thanks Giving, so there is still plenty of time for Sharp to either lift the ban or settle with Samsung.

Besides Sharp panels can still be distributed to Canada and Mexico for North America and as far as I know every where else around the globe.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 30th 2009 9:24AM]

They're arguing over LCD viewing issues? That's like arguing over who's poop smells better. Meanwhile plasma manufacturers are laughing and thinking to themselves "Viewing angle? What's that?"