Kodak sues Samsung and LG

Kodak has launched official proceedings against its rivals

Kodak has filed formal complaints against Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics for copying its technology related to image capture, compression, data storage and the method it uses for previewing motion images.

After failing to reach agreement with both companies through discussions, Kodak maintained that it had no choice but to seek help from the courts.

"Kodak has a long history of innovation and we have invested many millions of dollars developing our digital camera technology," said Laura Quatela, Kodak's chief intellectual property officer.

"We must take this legal action in order to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and existing licensees of Kodak digital camera patents."

Technology companies that hold licensed Kodak imaging patents include MEI/Panasonic, Motorola, Nokia, Olympus, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony and Sony Ericsson.

The filing by Kodak against Samsung and LG is being made in the US District Court for the Western District of New York, as well as in the US International Trade Commission.

Kodak has not disclosed the amount of damages it is pursuing.