News

3M files lawsuit for alleged patent violation

August 28, 2018

3M recently filed a lawsuit in Las Vegas against Tovis Co. Ltd and its subsidiary, Tovis North America, as well as Scientific Games Corp., for alleged patent infringement. The suit argues that Tovis's touchscreen displays infringe upon 3M's metal mesh conductor technology patents 8,179,381, 9,823,786, 8,274,494 and 8,704,799, according to a press release.

Companies typically use metal mesh conductor technology for constructing projected capacitive touch sensors. It is often used for curved and flat sensors for casino slot machines, pen touch systems and large format touch sensors for digital signage and interactive whiteboards, according to the release.

"3M invests substantially in research and development to create innovative products for our customers," Makoto Ishii, vice president and general manager, display materials and systems division, 3M, said in the release. "We will defend our intellectual property protecting those investments against unauthorized use and infringement by metal mesh manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and others making use of 3M's intellectual property rights."