June 1, 2011: Nikon Corporation has filed a patent infringement suit against Sigma Corporation, seeking an injunction against ‘Sigma’s manufacture and sale of infringing interchangeable lenses with vibration reduction for single lens reflex cameras, along with damages for past infringement.’
According to Reuters, Nikon is seeking the yen equivalent of over $150 million in damages.
‘Nikon has invested considerable resources in the form of research and development over a period of many years,’ says Nikon in a statement. ‘Such investments have created intellectual property that are important business assets of Nikon and have enabled Nikon to continuously provide the products and services that satisfy its customers requirements.’
Nikon said that it tried to resolve the issue through negotiation, to no avail. ‘…a non-adversarial resolution could not be reached …Nikon concluded that filing a lawsuit was the only way it could protect its intellectual property.’
Sigma has declined to comment, pending the legal action.
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