US Government bans Sharp LCD imports

The US International Trade Commission has decided that Sharp will not be allowed to import its LCD panels and televisions, due to a patent violation of its rival company, Samsung.

The ban means that Sharp is not allowed to use the patent without a license from Samsung.

"We're considering an appeal," a Sharp spokeswoman said from Tokyo.

However, the ban is subject to review from US President Barack Obama and Sharp TVs already in the US remain on sale.

Reuters has reported data from market research firm iSuppli that says Sharp shipped about 9.4% of the LCD televisions sold in North America in the first quarter, making it the fifth-largest supplier in that market.