Samsung downplays impact of U.S. LCD patent ruling

(ATTN: UPDATES with condition for temporary imports in para 4; ADDS more details in
last para)
By Lee Youkyung

SEOUL, Nov. 10 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. said Tuesday a U.S. ruling
against its liquid crystal displays (LCD) 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 may be allowed to sell the affected
products if it posts a deposit worth 100 percent of the goods.
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 was
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 has begun producing panels using technology not patented by
Sharp. Samsung denied that, saying it "plans to take appropriate legal action"
and also dismissing reports that it has already appealed the ITC ruling.
Sharp lodged its petition with the ITC against Samsung in March 2008.
Samsung also filed a complaint against Sharp, claiming the world's No. 4
flat-panel TV maker infringed on four of its patents. In June, the ITC ruled that
Sharp had violated one of the four.
ylee@yna.co.kr
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