Samsung downplays impact of U.S. LCD patent ruling

By Lee Youkyung
SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday a U.S. ruling
against its liquid crystal displays is unlikely to have a serious impact on its
exports of televisions and other LCD devices to the world's leading economy.

The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled Monday that Samsung violated
patents owned by Japanese rival Sharp Corp. and that imports of infringing
products be banned. LCDs are used in computer monitors and televisions.
President Barack Obama will make a final decision on an import ban within a
60-day review period, during which Samsung will be allowed to continue selling
its products.
Samsung, the world's largest maker of LCDs and flat-screen TVs, played down the
impact of the ITC ruling, saying it will try to ensure its U.S. sales will not be
disrupted until Obama endorses it.
"We are fully committed to honoring our responsibility to our business partners
and taking appropriate actions to meet the market demand for Samsung LCD panels
and products without any interruption," said a Samsung spokesman.
Most, but not all, of its LCD products in the U.S. use the technology that were
deemed to have violated Sharp's patents, the spokesman added.
Local media reported that the impact from the ITC decision would be minimal
because Samsung began producing panels using new technology without the patents.
But Samsung denied the reports.
Samsung said that it "plans to take appropriate legal action," dismissing reports
that it has already appealed the ITC ruling.
In March 2008, Sharp lodged a petition with the ITC against Samsung.
ylee@yna.co.kr
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