Seoul-Based manufacturer discontinues RAZR
knock-off
Libertyville, IL – 10 May 2006 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) announced today
that it has reached agreement in a lawsuit filed in January against Korean
manufacturer KBT Mobile Company, Ltd. for infringements of patents, trademarks
and designs for the acclaimed Motorola RAZR mobile phone. With the
settlement, KBT has agreed to discontinue all manufacturing and sales of RAZR
look-alikes. Motorola had filed the lawsuit upon learning of KBT’s attempts to
sell RAZR look-alikes in Asia.
Motorola had launched an investigation after the company began to receive
inquiries about Motorola RAZR look-alikes available in Asia. Specifically,
customers were asking Motorola about a RAZR look-alike, which KBT called the
V500 and was marketing in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“We are very pleased that KBT has acknowledged Motorola’s legitimate and
protected rights to Motorola RAZR-related patents, trademarks and designs,”
said Yvonne Verse, vice president of Global Intellectual Property Management
and Licensing for Motorola’s Mobile Devices business. “To create competitive
advantage, Motorola invests extensive human and financial resources to bring
compelling innovations to market. Around the world, we are committed to
protecting our investments – and we are prepared to vigorously defend our
innovations through enforcement of our intellectual property rights.”
Motorola had filed the lawsuit in Korea against KBT Mobile Company, Ltd. under
Korea’s Unfair Competition Prevention Act. The act expressly prohibits the
copying of another company’s product design. Additionally, Motorola’s complaint
includes claims that KBT infringed Motorola patents as well as a claim of
infringement of Motorola’s globally recognized trademark.
As a result of the settlement, KBT has agreed to cease the manufacture, sale,
offer to sell, export, and/or display any RAZR-like products. Additionally, KBT
will not enable other companies to manufacture a RAZR-like product, and has
committed to stop using Motorola patents and trademarks. In keeping with the
settlement agreement, further terms will not be disclosed.
Source: Motorola press release
