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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