The licensed conversion technology was developed by the OSRAM subsidiary Opto Semiconductors. It enables the production of white or coloured LEDs using blue emitting InGaN (Indium Gallium Nitride) based chips and suitable fluorescent converters. With the agreement signed, the existing license agreement (September 2003) is extended - especially the right for Everlight to use this OSRAM intellectual property in all areas of application without limitations, including automotive and general lighting. In addition the parties agreed on a crosslicense which allows OSRAM to use Everlight's housing patents.
Dr. Rüdiger Müller, CEO of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors says, "Over the years, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has built up a very strong patent position. It is the foundation of our market success."
"Today's agreement is a perfect example for a productive and fair collaboration. But we will also continue to vigorously enforce our patent rights against companies making unauthorized use of our intellectual property", stated Gerd Pokorny, general counsel of OSRAM GmbH. "The strength of our LED patents has been confirmed by many court rulings in various jurisdictions. Just most recently the High Court of Appeal in Beijing reconfirmed the decision of the Beijing Second Intermediate Court, that LEDs manufactured by the Taiwanese manufacturer Kingbright in China, infringes OSRAM's conversion patents."
(Jim Evans)
