Japanese materials giant Nichia previously filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Germany against Taiwan LED manufacturer Everlight Electronics and its German subsidiary. The local court recently issued a final ruling recognizing Everlight's patent infringement, prompting Nichia to seek damages of EUR2.5 million (approx. US$2.88 million).
The case was brought by Nichia at the Dusseldorf District Court against Everlight and its German subsidiary Everlight Electronics Europe GmbH, alleging infringement of Nichia's YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) patents. The court ultimately delivered two favorable rulings supporting Nichia's claims.
Both judgments from the Dusseldorf District Court pertain to Nichia's YAG patent EP 936 682 (DE 697 02 929). In the first ruling, the court confirmed that Everlight infringed on Nichia's YAG patent. In the second ruling, Everlight conceded all of Nichia's claims, leading the court to issue a judgment favorable to Nichia based on those admissions.
Nichia stated that since Everlight initially contested the scope of damages—limiting it only to products explicitly listed in the infringement ruling—and refused to submit accounting records for other products, Nichia initiated enforcement proceedings. The court ultimately upheld Nichia's legal position. Consequently, Everlight accepted its legal obligations and submitted complete accounting data.
Based on the accounting information provided by Everlight during litigation, Nichia calculated that a reasonable amount of damages is EUR2.5 million and has now commenced court procedures to claim this sum.
Nichia emphasized its commitment to protecting its patents and other intellectual property rights and will take appropriate legal action against infringers in any country when necessary.
Article edited by Jack Wu
