Sony sues Kodak over digicam patents

TOKYO: Japanese electronics maker Sony Corp has filed suit against Eastman Kodak alleging the U.S. photographic film giant infringed 10 of Sony's patents related to digital cameras, an industry source said.

Sony, one of the world's largest makers of digital cameras with a global market share of around 20 percent, filed the suit in U.S. federal court in New Jersey on Wednesday evening, the source said.

Sony's move follows a suit filed by Eastman Kodak last month alleging that Sony infringed 10 of Kodak's patents related to digital photography including "electronic camera utilizing image compression and digital storage".

The source said Sony's suit was not a counter-suit and involved different patents than the suit filed by Kodak, while Sony spokesman confirmed that the suit had been filed.

Sony's suit involves patents related to electronic shutters and charge-coupled devices (CCD) -- chips used as "electronic film" in which Sony holds a leading market position.

Kodak is undergoing a tough transition towards digital products amid a decline in its film business.

Sony has enjoyed considerable success in digital cameras but its profit margins have recently come under pressure along with those of its peers due to severe pricing competition.

© Reuters