White LED royalty
White LED royalty
(OP)
Hi, I know that white LEDs have some patents on them. But my problem is that I buy my LEDs in China and that I have to believe the LED manufacturer that he paid it's dues to the right company.
Is there a way to verify that a manufacturer has an agreement with one company?
How can I tell I'm not being ripped off?
Thanks
BeerBaron
Is there a way to verify that a manufacturer has an agreement with one company?
How can I tell I'm not being ripped off?
Thanks
BeerBaron





RE: White LED royalty
TTFN
RE: White LED royalty
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: White LED royalty
RE: White LED royalty
Regards
Beerbaron
RE: White LED royalty
TTFN
RE: White LED royalty
I do see your point on being the mfg of lighting products..but the way it usually works, the patent holder first has to find out that you are using a device that is not paying him royalties on the patent. So the start by sending letters demanding you stop infringing on his patent, that can go for a year or so. If they are not in the business, then not sure they can recover anything because, the way the law is, you cant sue for a billion dollars, you can only sue for loss of revenue from when you started to ship the product. Now, the LED mfg is a better target since they are shipping more product specific to the patent, and can generate a larger settlement than little you (ok..so what if your using 10K/month...they are shipping 1000K/month..do the math)
Bottom line...patents are hard to enforce, takes years to even get to the docket, hard to prosecute, and so if they send you a letter (doubt it would ever happen) you comply and start using someone elses white LEDs. If your using a CM, just tell THEM they must use a approved vendor.
I see patents as a way of not getting sued. If you own it, then nobody can come after you. But if you get violated, be ready to make sure its worth going after.
RE: White LED royalty
RE: White LED royalty
TTFN
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RE: White LED royalty
Is it a wholly-Chinese company, joint venture or non-Chinese company operating in China? In theory it should not make any difference but in practice it will if you are trying to verify if you are "..being ripped off"
RE: White LED royalty
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RE: White LED royalty