Main points
- Lepton Computing LLC has filed a lawsuit against Samsung, accusing it of illegally using nine patents related to foldable smartphones.
- Lepton demands a ban on the sale of Samsung's foldable smartphones and compensation.
Samsung's foldable smartphones are under threat: the American company demands a complete ban on sales / Collage 24 Channel/Unsplash/Samsung
South Korean tech giant Samsung is facing a major legal challenge in the US. A little-known company, Lepton Computing LLC, has filed a lawsuit that could dramatically change the foldable device market, as it seeks a complete ban on the Galaxy Fold and Flip lines.
What are the claims against Samsung?
The lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The plaintiff, Lepton Computing LLC, claims that Samsung Electronics and its American division illegally use key technologies owned by Lepton. The claims concern almost the entire line of flexible devices of the Korean manufacturer, including the popular models Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Flip, as well as the recently introduced Galaxy TriFold, writes SamMobile.
The core of the conflict is the violation of nine patents that describe the fundamental principles of folding smartphones. These patents cover not only the general idea of a foldable device, but also specific engineering solutions: from the mechanical structure of the hinges to the complex algorithms of the interface.
In particular, we are talking about a technology that allows applications to automatically adjust to the size of the screen when the device is unfolded, as well as a system of sensors that determine the state of the smartphone – whether it is closed or half-open, writes the Korean publication Biz.
The lawsuit focuses on the protection of flexible OLED displays. The technology requires a certain bending radius to avoid damage and severe wrinkling of the screen. Lepton claims that its developments allowed Samsung to achieve the structural stability and durability of the internal panels used in modern models, starting with the Galaxy Fold 3.
This conflict is not new.
The history of the confrontation, according to the plaintiff, began back in 2013. Then the founder of Lepton Computing Stephen Delaporte, who had been researching the concept of folding smartphones since 2008, was negotiating with Samsung representatives about a possible cooperation. The Korean side was allegedly shown a prototype called Lepton Flex and given detailed technical documentation. The plaintiff insists that Samsung knowingly used the knowledge gained, ignoring the intellectual property rights of the developer.
However, there is a significant nuance in this case that could be decisive in Samsung's favor. Although Lepton claims long-standing developments, the registration of the nine patents mentioned in the lawsuit only began on June 29, 2021. This happened almost two years after Samsung officially introduced its first commercial foldable smartphone in September 2019. Due to this discrepancy in time, the first two generations of Samsung's foldable phones were not subject to the claims, but all subsequent models were affected.
Lepton Computing: serious company or fraudulent conspiracy
The status of Lepton Computing itself raises questions among experts. The company has only two employees, and its official website does not contain any contact information or data about its actual business activities.
This gives grounds to consider Lepton a so-called troll company, whose main goal is to extort money through lawsuits. This practice is far from new, as there are a huge number of such scammers who are engaged in registering or buying patents in order to then extort money from big brands.
Currently, the plaintiff is demanding not only a ban on sales of Samsung equipment, but also payment of royalties, compensation for damages, and a threefold increase in the fine for intentional patent infringement.
There will be a trial.
Samsung is preparing for a long legal battle and is going to defend its interests in court. Given the complexity of patent law, this review could drag on for years. For now, flexible smartphones remain on the market, but the decision of the Texas court could set a dangerous precedent for the entire mobile technology market.