Most Vizio Smart TVs Lack Maxell Patent License, Alleges Complaint

Vizio smart TVs are using the inventions embedded in seven Maxell display and image processing patents dating to June 2010 without a license, alleged an infringement complaint (in Pacer) Friday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Vizio left “the majority of its TV products unlicensed” after Maxell’s license agreement with Vizio’s third-party suppliers expired, said the complaint. Vizio has been “specifically aware” of its infringement “since at least 2018, through correspondence and interactions with Maxell’s licensing agent” about a new license agreement, it said. “Maxell believed that the parties could reach a mutually beneficial solution,” but that process “stalled,” it said. “Vizio and Maxell exchanged additional correspondence and information, including exemplary claim charts and proposed licensing terms,” as recently as July 13, it said. Vizio declined comment Monday.