LED lighting specialist company Cree has announced that the United States International Trade Commission will investigate unfair trade practices by Feit Electric Company and its Asian supplier, Unity Opto Technology Company.
There are several reasons behind why the investigation is being called for — chief among them are allegations of infringement of 8 Cree patents related to the company’s LED lighting technologies.
Specifically, the company states that Feit has made several false and misleading advertising claims, including that certain of its products meet ENERGY STAR specifications.
Cree has several product families within the lighting industry, including LED products and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, high-brightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. As such, the company sees it as a high priority to make sure its customers are reading true and accurate messaging when it comes to any of its lighting technologies.
The decision to open an investigation came in less than a day’s time, as the complaint was filed and case opened on February 12th, 2015.
“We’re pleased with the ITC’s decision to open an investigation into this matter,” said Chuck Swoboda, Cree Chairman and CEO. “With nearly $1B investment in developing the fundamental technology that underlies LED lighting adoption, it is our obligation to protect our intellectual property. Through their actions, Feit and Unity Opto are enjoying an unfair advantage in the market and discouraging the development of new products that benefit consumers.”
For anyone interested in following developments in the case, the investigation is titled “Certain Light-Emitting Diode Products and Components Thereof, ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-747.”
The ITC’s agreement to an investigation can be viewed here.
Via MarketWatch.com
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