ITC Opens Probe Into Allegations That Hisense Smart TVs Violate 2 Sharp Patents

The International Trade Commission opened a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into allegations that imports of four models of 43- and 50-inch Hisense smart TVs infringe two Wi-Fi patents granted to Sharp in 2012, the ITC said in a Wednesday notice (login required) in docket 337-TA-1072. In a complaint filed Aug. 29 (see 1709050045), Sharp said Hisense is licensed to make and sell Sharp-branded smart TVs in the U.S., but Hisense also is using the same technologies to make and market smart TVs under its own brand, in violation of the Sharp patents. Hisense called the complaint part of a “scorched-earth campaign of litigation” alleging “anything and everything” in an attempt to “undo” the 2015 license agreement that gave Hisense rights to sell Sharp-branded TVs in the U.S. (see 1709160001). Foxconn bought a majority of Sharp in March 2016, months after a financially ailing Sharp licensed its TV brand to Hisense for the U.S. market in a deal that runs out in 2019 (see 1608240031). Foxconn CEO Terry Gou has said he wants to make Sharp, 8K displays and 5G products the linchpins of the LCD display fab his company plans to build in Wisconsin (see 1707270017). The ITC will consider whether to issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders banning import and sale of Hisense smart TVs that are found to infringe Sharp's patents.