The US International Trade Commission said it would launch an investigation into some 30 companies including Sony Corporation on possible patent infringements related to Blu-ray disc players and other products.
The commission said the products involved are short-wavelength light-emitting diodes and laser diodes used in such electronics as handheld mobile devices, traffic lights and high-definition DVD players.
The move is based on a complaint filed last month by Columbia University Professor Emeritus Gertrude Neumark Rothschild, who is seeking to block imports into the United States of a range of products that she said were infringing her patent.
Besides Sony, companies cited in the ITC announcement include Nokia, Motorola, LG Electronics, and Panasonic maker Matsushita Electric Industrial.
A Sony spokesman declined to comment.
