The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) announced yesterday that it has begun an investigation into allegations that several Chinese electronics companies stole trade secrets related to organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology from Samsung Display.
The investigation comes after Samsung filed a complaint alleging that BOE Technology Group and several other affiliated Chinese manufacturers unlawfully imported and sold OLED displays and components in the U.S. that were produced using stolen Samsung trade secrets. Samsung is requesting that the USITC impose an import ban and cease and desist orders to prevent these companies from benefiting from the alleged theft of intellectual property.
The USITC has identified eight Chinese respondents in the case so far, including major display maker BOE Technology Group as well as several BOE subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities.
| Company | Location |
|---|---|
| BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Beijing, China |
| Mianyang BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Sichuan, China |
| Ordos Yuansheng Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. | Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China |
| Chengdu BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Sichuan, China |
| Chongqing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Chongqing, China |
| Wuhan BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Wuhan, Hubei, China |
| BMOT f/k/a Kunming BOE Display Technology | Yunnan Dianzhong New Area, China |
| BOE Technology America, Inc. | Santa Clara, CA, USA |
By opening this section 337 investigation, the USITC will now assign an administrative law judge to hold an evidentiary hearing and make an initial determination on whether the Chinese companies violated US trade laws.
The Commission stated it will work to complete the complex investigation as quickly as possible. If found in violation, the Chinese manufacturers could face exclusion orders banning entry of the OLED products in question into the U.S.
