TCL Technology Group Corp. is facing a lawsuit from C47 Technologies LLC, a Nevada-based patent owner. The lawsuit alleges that TCL’s smartphones, specifically the 10, 20, and 30 models, infringe on camera technology protected by a patent. However, it has been estimated that the patent in question, US Patent No. 10,984,605, expired in October 2022.
The ‘605 patent focuses on camera arrangements with backlighting detection and claims to improve the quality of images taken with the camera. Despite the patent having expired, C47 Technologies LLC alleges that TCL’s smartphones still utilize methods similar to those described in the patent.
The case raises questions about the use of expired patents in lawsuits and the potential impact on technological innovation and competition in the smartphone industry. It remains to be seen how the lawsuit will unfold in court and whether TCL Technology Group Corp. will be found liable for infringing on the patent-protected camera technology.
