車燈專利侵權

在一般人的印象中，都是高科技產業的廠商,才會被告專利侵害，今天個案的苦主是傳統產業的汽車製造業。
2011.1.18.位於美國德州的專利控股公司Effectively Illuminated Pathways以1項專利侵權為由，對Aston Martin Lagonda、Bentley Motors、BMW、Ford、Maserati、Mitsubishi以及Volkswagen等7家車廠提出告訴。
本案的系爭專利為US6,520,669，原專利權人為Light Sciences Corporation，主要技術為LED發光二極體在車用燈具上的應用。該公司過去的訴訟都是針對Wal-Mart等通路商來做提告，本案卻轉向了汽車產業，此舉將影響到車廠日後的設計開發與供應鏈。

US6,520,669
Title : Flexible substrate mounted solid-state light sources for exterior vehicular lighting
Filing Date : 2000.6.19.
Issue Date : 2003.2.18.
Abstract:
Exterior lighting assemblies for use on vehicles include a flexible substrate on which are mounted a plurality of solid-state light emitting devices. Preferably, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used for the solid-state light emitting devices, although other types of devices can alternatively be employed. The light emitting devices are connected to flexible conductive traces provided on the flexible substrate and leads are provided to connect to the power supply on the vehicle so that electrical current can be selectively supplied to energize the light emitting devices. The flexible substrate is adapted to be mounted on the exterior surface of a vehicle, for example, as a tail lamp assembly, or as a headlamp. Light emitting devices that emit different colored light can be used to provide red light to indicate slowing of the vehicle due to braking, amber light for turn signal indication, and white light to illuminate the surface over which the vehicle is traveling. A flexible optically transparent cover protects the light emitting devices. Due to their flexibility, the light assemblies can be conformed around a curved exterior surface of a vehicle.