The US International Trade Commission decided to launch an investigation regarding "certain 
short-wavelength light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and products containing same." More exactly, the ITC will focus on the short-wavelength LEDs and laser diodes that are used in products such as hand-held mobile devices, instrument panels, billboards, traffic lights, HD DVD players and data storage devices.
Sony (Sony-Ericsson included) is one of the top companies to be investigated, alongside other heavy names such as Hitachi, Nokia, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, Pioneer and Motorola. The list included a total of 30 companies.
The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Gertrude Neumark Rothschild on February 20, 2008. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States of certain short-wavelength light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and products containing same that infringe a patent owned by Rothschild.
The ITC was requested to issue exclusion orders and cease and desist orders.