Kingbright and Cree Settle IP Dispute

DURHAM, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cree, Inc. (CREE), a leader in LED lighting, announced today that it has reached a confidential settlement in its patent infringement lawsuit with Kingbright, Inc. Kingbright and Cree have agreed to a royalty bearing, worldwide license to the Cree patents-in-suit, thereby ending the lawsuit between the parties. 

“Cree is committed to protecting the investment of our current licensees, shareholders and customers by defending our rights in court when necessary and by licensing our patents when appropriate,” stated Brad Kohn, vice president legal and general counsel for Cree. “With this settlement and license agreement, Cree has once again obtained value for our extensive IP portfolio.” 

Cree has developed a broad LED patent portfolio after many years of intensive R&D, with numerous patent applications pending. Major LED manufacturers make use of Cree’s patented technology and have signed license agreements with Cree to secure these rights. Where the license has been publicly announced, Cree licensees are listed on https://www.cree.com/About-Cree/Licensing/Licensees.