Shanghai DBTEL Industry Co Ltd announced that it was suing Motorola's China unit for US$23.9 million for allegedly infringing upon the copyrighted design for a mobile phone printed circuit board. Shanghai DBTEL is a subsidiary of Taiwan-based DBTEL Inc, an original equipment manufacturer for handset makers.
DBTEL's case against Motorola had its first hearing at the Shanghai No 2 Intermediate People's Court. It involves two cases, the first seeking US$11.9 million in damages regarding its printed circuit board design. The second case, concerning the design's appearance, is currently suspended.
Motorola denies the charges, saying the design was not protected by copyright law in China.