The cause file by LED manufacturing business ams OSRAM against Nature Fresh Farms — and thereby indirectly against light-emitting diode lamp provider Agrolux — could have major result for the lighting industriousness .
A lighting mending hold various constituent , such as the caparison , cool off system , lenses , gadget driver , and connexion . These are either bring out by the manufacturers themselves or sourced from other suppliers . The actual light source — which is the focus of this slip — is the LED module . These are often buy externally . The light beginning is not only an crucial part of the lighting fixture but also an expensive one : it can account for 50 to 60 percent of a lamp ’s entire cost .
ams OSRAM is one of the most well - known producers of these light modules . Their smorgasbord of LED components includes various modules with specific wavelength for gardening . These components are used by many well - bang lighting solution producer . Several solutions in ams OSRAM ’s LED components are patented .
The firing diligence has been under sustained atmospheric pressure for several years . While early developments in LED engineering science sharpen on attain maximal efficiency to reduce free energy consumption , the market dynamic has gradually shifted toward price competitiveness — deliver high light output at increasingly lower Leontyne Price . This shift has lead to tightening profits margins for many suppliers . As a result , some company have begun sourcing light-emitting diode components from blue - toll suppliers , chip in to a general decline in pricing across the sphere . In some cases , prices have dropped to around ten cents per mmol — a floor that can be unmanageable to match depending on the technology and components used .
But this is where the dispute arises : accord to ams OSRAM , the Agrolux Wega Plus lamps hold back LED componentsthat infringe on their patents . These lamp were installed at Nature Fresh Farms , which is why they are now being sued .
Alexander Hoffmann , Business Line illuminance
Alexander Hoffmann , Business Line Illumination at ams OSRAM , accent that the company tight monitors the horticulture market and identified the allege infringement in connexion with the Agrolux Wega Plus fixture . Due to the legal nature of the caseful , we can not share specific details about the find mental process . He clarified that the issue is not about mixing components from various brands but centers on specific patented LEDs : " The infringement concerns specific LED components — in particular , hyper - red light-emitting diode in the 660–670 nm range — that violate ams OSRAM ’s intellectual property . "
This event , according to Alexander , is not an isolated one . " As a technology loss leader , ams OSRAM actively monitors market developing and addresses potential IP issues on a case - by - display case basis — with the goal of ensuring a degree playing field and nurture fair competition . Last year , we highlighted in our market communication that there were augury of likely IP infringements by competitors ' LEDs , and we proceed to observe products in the market that bring up like concerns . "
ConsequencesThis communication stress possible consequences , including fixedness need to be remove or put back . If ams OSRAM wins the case , that could be in store for Nature Fresh Farms — which would intend a cost of millions . In that shell , they are likely to change state to supplier Agrolux , which is part of the U.S.-based company Hawthorne Gardening Company . Agrolux , in turn , would likely grow to their provider , and then the inquiry is what will pass off there .
Nature Fresh Farms is not the only grower using these lamp . Several North American and European agriculturalist have set up the Wega Plus in recent years . In gain , there are other major suppliers who expend these or similar LED factor in their fixtures .
Alexander , of course of instruction , can not point out on this hypothetical chain of action mechanism .
" Generally , all companies in the economic value chain are creditworthy for check that the light-emitting diode components they apply are IP - compliant . As this is a legal matter , I can not comment on potential next actions . However , if growers are using Agrolux Wega Plus habitue and would care to better infer how to ensure an informatics - compliant supply chain , they are welcome to middleman ams OSRAM for guidance " , he says .
stride to takeAccording to Alexander , growers themselves can take stone’s throw to insure they are not caught in the middle of such disputes . " We encourage grower to engage in candid discussion with their fixture provider regarding the origin of light-emitting diode component part , as transparentness indorse informed and IP - compliant buying decisions . If the fixtures employ LEDs from ams OSRAM , cultivator can be convinced that there are no IP concerns . Additionally , our cobranding programme shine trusted collaborations with selected better half and provide an additional indication of information processing - good and compliant light-emitting diode result . "
Alexander concludes with explaining ams OSRAM maintains a strong patent portfolio and stay committed to enforcing IP right hand and further fair competition . " Therefore , we will take appropriate action to protect our IP where necessary . We value firm and vapourous partnership throughout the horticulture note value Sir Ernst Boris Chain and continue committed to supporting initiation and sustainable development — free-base on middling practices and mutual trust . "
For more information : ams OSRAMwww.ams-osram.com
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