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May 26, 2011
Nikon Launches Patent Lawsuit against Sigma
In a brief statement on Wednesday, Nikon filed a lawsuit against Sigma Corporation, maker of third-party lenses, over infringements regarding "interchangeable lenses with vibration reduction for single-reflex cameras." Per industry reports, the suit is worth approximately USD154 million.
Editorial Comments: This could be the beginning of the end for the various "gentlemen's agreements" that have characterized Japanese manufacturing for decades. Any infighting between makers about infringements and technology sharing are traditionally settled internally and privately. This could also mean the price of Sigma lenses with Optical Stabilization may become more volatile until the lawsuit and terms are settled.
Posted by covey22 at May 26, 2011 2:03 PM
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I am certainly glad that my Sigma 50-500mm is shipping as I write this. News in the camera world is, I am sure, full of business intrigue!
I find that people now-a-days (if that is a correct word or saying,)are just going ahead and doing things and if they are caught, or challenged then they decide what to do.
The days of when peoples' property and patents etc were considered personal are now long gone, and be darned with what someone has or has 'invented'.
It was similar to people going on line and downloading music or copying music illegally - they just went ahead and did it, whilst all the while the Artist was not getting their Royalties, the distributor was not getting their share, the maker was not getting their payment.
There are suits being filed more and more it seems - no respect, use the goods and face a fine and monetary settlement imposed by the courts.
It is really too bad, isn't it.