LED maker Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA says that, following its complaint filed on 12 January, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has agreed to open an investigation into unfair trade practices by Feit Electric Company Inc and its Asian supplier Unity Opto Technology Co Ltd.
The investigation ('Certain Light-Emitting Diode Products and Components Thereof, ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-747') includes Cree's allegations of infringement of eight of its US patents (numbers 6,657,236, 6,885,036, 6,614,056, 7,312,474, 7,976,187, 8,766,298, 8,596,819 and 8,628,214) related to LED lighting and Feit's false and misleading advertising claims, including that certain of its products meet ENERGY STAR specifications.
Cree's complaint requests that, after the investigation, ITC issues a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.
"With nearly $1bn investment in developing the fundamental technology that underlies LED lighting adoption, it is our obligation to protect our intellectual property," says Cree's chairman & CEO Chuck Swoboda. "Through their actions, Feit and Unity Opto are enjoying an unfair advantage in the market and discouraging the development of new products that benefit consumers," he adds.
