Eight companies have been named as defendants in separate complaints recently filed by Texas NPE Jakuta Diodes, LLC: automakers Ford (6:16-cv-01177), GM (6:16-cv-01180), and Honda (6:16-cv-01178); and lighting product manufacturers Acuity Brands (6:16-cv-01175), Cree (6:16-cv-01176), LED Engin (6:16-cv-01181), Soraa (6:16-cv-01179), and Teledyne Reynolds (6:16-cv-01182). The new complaints assert a single patent (6,079,854) generally related to devices and methods for diffusing light. The automakers are accused of infringement through the sale and import of motor vehicles with certain LED headlamps, while the other defendant s are accused of infringement through the sale of certain LED lighting products. (In what appears to be an errant cut-and-paste, Soraa is also accused of infringement through the import of motor vehicles.) Jakuta Diodes is one of many Texas NPEs formed over the past 18 months under the management of attorney Nicolas J. Labbit.

District Judge Rodney Gilstrap has issued summary judgments of non-infringement in the numerous suits filed by Iris Connex, LLC, finding that the mobile device makers targeted by the plaintiff—including Apple, Dell, Huawei, LG Electronics (LGE), Microsoft, and Samsung—have not infringed a single patent (6,177,950) generally related to a portable phone with a multi-position and multi-function camera. Iris Connex, a Texas-based NPE managed by attorney Nicolas J. Labbit, had argued that the ‘950 patent should be read to include a “unified” camera system with front and rear cameras, as found in the accused smartphones and tablets. However, in multiple, identical orders issued on September 2, Judge Gilstrap ruled that the defendants have not infringed after holding that the ‘950 patent required a single, multi-position camera.