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(Alliance News) - Nanoco Group PLC on Friday said the pre-trial conference on a litigation claim against Samsung Electronics Co in Texas is ongoing, and it has achieved some early wins.
Nanoco is a Manchester-based nanomaterial developer and manufacturer.
The firm has accused Samsung of infringing its quantum dot patents. Quantum dot technology is used on Samsung quantum dot LED televisions.
Nanoco had brought 47 claims against Samsung for the wilful infringement of its intellectual property under five patents. In May, all claims were ruled in favour of Nanoco by the US Patent Trial & Appeal Board. The company back then added it expected Samsung to appeal the decision with a potential revised trial in the final quarter of the year.
On Friday, Nanoco shared that the Texas judge had ruled against multiple motions proposed by Samsung to exclude the testimony of Nanoco's experts.
"We are in a strong position: the net result of rulings on the pre-trial conference motions preserve all of Nanoco's damages models and their expert testimony, as well as the full testimony of our technical expert Dr Brandi Cossairt," said Nanoco Chief Executive Officer Brian Tenner on Friday.
"The earlier rejection of Samsung's motion to re-open a Markman definition was... an important finding in Nanoco's favour. Being able to selectively choose the claims to bring to trial on the back of the emphatic win at Patent Trial & Appeal Board has also undoubtedly added to this strength," he added. A Markman definition clarifies a court's interpretation on the meaning of certain words or phrases that are part of a patent and a case.
It noted the judge also ruled on other motions, but there were "no material surprises or disappointments for Nanoco".
"We must not be complacent as the trial still awaits and its outcome is uncertain. However, the recent events noted above have added to the strength of our belief and confidence in our case. We continue to focus and work industriously towards a favourable outcome to the trial and a substantial inflection point for Nanoco's prospects and shareholder value," Tenner added.
The jury selection has been set for September 12. The trial is expected to follow shortly after.
Nanoco shares were 2.4% higher at 45.96 pence each in London on Friday midday, while Samsung shares closed down 1.0% at KRW609 each in Busan on Friday evening.
By Tom Budszus; tombudszus@alliancenews.com
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