nanoREV.

Nano-Proprietary (Applied Nanotech) v. Canon Update

Carbon nanotubes and related carbon-based nanostructures/thin films are of particular interest as electron emission materials for flat panel display devices and have been the focal point for some litigation. In this article the litigation between Nano-Proprietary and Canon concerning the licensing of surface emission display technology is reviewed. In a recent decision by the U.S. Appeals Court for the 5th Circuit the court determined that due to the “irrevocable and perpetual” non-exclusive licences granted by Nano-Proprietary to Canon the license agreement stands despite earlier shenanigans between Canon and Toshiba. The decision also provides Canon’s restructured subsidiary SED with use of the licensed patents. Applied Nanotech Holdings (formerly Nano-Proprietary) has downplayed the importance of the decision in a press release.