RSS3M Sues Sony, Lenovo Over Batteries
By Nate Mook | Published March 9, 2007, 5:18 PM
3M filed suit this week in Minneapolis, Minn. against computer makers Sony and Lenovo, along with a handful of other firms, for allegedly infringing on its patents related to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The company also asked that imports of the batteries be blocked.
At issue is the cathode materials used inside the batteries, which 3M claims makes them last longer and give off less heat. The company says it spent 10 years developing the technology, and says it is a $700 million business.
Battery heat has become a big issue after a number of high-profile cases in which laptop batteries exploded during use. The issue prompted massive recalls by a number of top computer makers, including Sony, Dell, Apple and Lenovo.
3M says Sony is now making batteries with its technology that are ending up in Sony laptops, while CDW and Total Micro Technologies are making infringing batteries for Lenovo notebook computers. In addition, Hitachi, Matsushita and subsidiary Panasonic are named in the suit due to batteries they make for cordless tools.
3M has requested that the U.S. International Trade Commission block all imports of the infringing batteries, and any laptops using them.
"3M Co. is the exclusive licensee of the Asserted Patents," reads the lawsuit. "3M IPC and 3M Co. have standing to bring an action for infringement of the Asserted Patents and to recover all damages and remedies available at law and equity."
"3M says Sony is now making batteries with its technology..."
Sounds to me like the OLD batteries got too hot, and they're now using the "patented" technology to create cooler running alternatives. Could be a quite valid claim!
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Thats exactly my thoughts, Sony could find that this explodes in there face :P
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You hit the nail on the head. Now this is an example of why lawsuits SHOULD happen. Give the inventors their due - if your battery runs hot and makes fires, don't just steal the tech, license it.
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Curious...
Can the problems Sony experienced with their batteries be traced to the utilization of this technology?
If so, 3M may be inadvertently exposing themselves to liability despite whatever their claims may be against Sony.
Why do I have a funny feeling that we may not have seen the last act of this play!?
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3M didnt make the batteries, Sony did. They also botched it by allowing contamination to create a fire risk. How can 3M be at fault for this ?
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NO 3m IS NOT RESPONSIBLE! Sony had metal fragments in their batteries that caused a runaway reaction. What 3m is asserting is now they are using 3m technology to make them cooler to prevent further melt down possibilities. If its the same tech as what 3m made, and they aren't paying them Sony is in trouble, but this has nothing to do with why Sony batteries were exploding.
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I can't wait for the news of PS3's and Wii's bursting into flames and scaring small children. Then the battery issue will really heat up. :)
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Queue: Patent Hate.
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So...3M is responsible for these battery issues then? :D
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you'd think they'd bite their tongue, but heck. peopel who do not get their news online never knew Sony was responsible for that battery mess. What could hurt if they try to make people aware again?
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Cue: Sony Hate...
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