Nichia Settles Patent Infringement Lawsuit with HORNBACH in Germany Concerning White LED Christmas Illumination Products

MUNICH, September 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

In June 2011, Nichia Corporation ("Nichia") started a patent infringement lawsuit against German company HORNBACH Baumarkt AG ("HORNBACH"), one of the largest DIY stores in Europe. The infringement lawsuit concerned several white LED Christmas illumination products distributed in Germany and mainly sourced by HORNBACH from third-party Asian manufacturers. Nichia claimed that the products infringed its "YAG" patent EP 0 936 682 (DE 697 02 929) by making use of Nichia's basic "YAG" technology. Nichia sought, among others, for permanent injunction and damages. The Düsseldorf District Court in first instance (judgment of December 20, 2012) and the Düsseldorf Court of Appeal in second instance (judgment of December 8, 2016) found that HORNBACH's products infringed Nichia's "YAG" patent and confirmed Nichia's claims.

Nichia and HORNBACH have now been able to settle the legal dispute amicably. Both parties agreed to enter into a future business relationship.

Nichia seeks to protect its patents and other intellectual property rights and will vigorously enforce its rights in any country where appropriate and necessary. HORNBACH maintains its commitment to respect the intellectual property rights of others.

Contact information:
Public Relations, Nichia Corporation
Tel: +81-884-22-2311
Fax: +81-884-23-7717