Samsung's US patent dispute with BOE could ban some brands

In the world of mobile devices, competition between key component suppliers is also quite fierce. Samsung is the main name in the display industry, which is arguably the most crucial component in smartphones and tablets. That said, a patent dispute by Samsung against Chinese display supplier BOE could lead to some brands exiting the US market.

Patent dispute against BOE gives Samsung the right, partially

BOE is a display supplier that multiple big names are turning to. Lately, its presence has been especially noticeable in the foldable devices segment. Products like the Motorola Razr lineup or the Lenovo foldable ThinkPad use displays from the company. Several traditional devices, especially highlighting OnePlus’ flagships and a portion of the Pixel 8, also feature BOE panels. Since BOE displays are more affordable than Samsung’s, many manufacturers incorporate them into aggressively priced products.

That said, following a lawsuit from Samsung, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that BOE infringed South Korean giant’s patents on its displays. However, the authority also found that the infringement has “no impact on the industry in the United States.” Therefore, it did not grant Samsung its request to ban the sale and distribution of BOE displays in the US.

Samsung wants to ban the sale of BOE screens in the US

This is a preliminary decision pending a final verdict that will come in March 2025. In the meantime, a report from The Elec claims that Samsung will urge the commission to reexamine the ruling. If the ITC grants Samsung its demands, the US smartphone market could change significantly. Devices such as OnePlus’s could no longer be sold, and other brands with a presence in the United States, such as HP and Asus, could also be affected.

The report adds that it is unlikely that the ITC will end up banning the sale of BOE displays in the United States after the preliminary ruling. However, the mere possibility of this happening is a big development. We will have to wait a few months to know the final outcome of this legal confrontation. If Samsung gets what it wants, Samsung Display will gain an even more dominant position in the market. In related news, the company could be working on devices with tri-fold and rollable screens by 2025.