Nokia faces patent suit in China from Taiwanese display maker TPK

Nokia is facing a patent suit in China after Taiwanese display-maker TPK took action against the company. It is claiming that the Finnish firm is infringing on one of its patents, for which it is seeking damages of 26.9 million Chinese yuan (around $4.28 million), according to a Dow Jones report.

The complaint from TPK, which produces touch panel displays, centers around the “conductor pattern structure of capacitive touch panel”, a technology that helps produce thinner panels. In addition to seeking damages, TPK is requesting that Nokia stop manufacturing and selling devices that contain the disputed technology.

The company is also pursuing legal action against two Chinese panel makers – Compal Communications and O-film Tech – and their respective retailers for the same alleged patent violation. It is looking for CNY60.6 million (circa $9.7 million) in compensation from O-film, and has also requested that the firm cease the making and selling of devices that contain the technology.

The suits have accepted by a court in Xiamen, in the south of China, so the three firms can expect to learn more about the accusations soon.

A Nokia spokesperson told TNW: ”We have become aware of the complaint and will study the claims made. Nokia will take whatever steps are necessary to defend itself.”

TPK was established in 2007 and the firm was listed on the Taiwanese stock exchange in October 2010. The company has six offices worlwide: California, Michigan, Tokyo, Seoul, Xiamen and its headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan.

Last month Nokia ended its patent feud with RIM after the two agreed to a deal that will see the BlackBerry-maker license Nokia’s patents, with both parties withdrawing “all existing patent litigation”. The agreement also sees RIM make a one-time payment to Nokia, following up with ongoing royalty payments.