LCD Displays 'Essential' in Pandemic, Say Opponents of Sharp's Proposed Import Ban

LCDs “are essential to the U.S. economy,” and the COVID-19 pandemic “has only magnified their importance to the national economy, health, and public safety,” said Vizio and its suppliers Xianyang CaiHong Optoelectronics and TPV in public interest comments (login required) at the International Trade Commission in docket 337-3451. Sharp’s April 21 complaint seeks cease and desist and limited exclusion orders against displays from the three companies for allegedly infringing five Sharp LCD patents (see 2004270045). “The disruption in the LCD panels market that Sharp seeks will not be resolved within commercially reasonable time,” said the companies. “Certain major manufacturers of LCD panels are exiting the business by the end of 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global supply chain of LCD panels,” they said in reference to the Samsung Display decision to speed its exit from LCD production in South Korea and source future supply from Chinese panel makers (see 2004280016). “The COVID-19 pandemic has confirmed the central role of LCD panels,” said the companies. “Non-essential office workers are using LCD displays at home to conduct their daily business.” Students are participating in remote learning “through their video displays,” they said. “The essential nature of these products was apparent when several big-box electronic stores in the U.S. depleted, and were unable to refill, inventories of computer monitors.” Even TVs “are no longer used solely for entertainment,” they said.