Signify Opposes Early Settlement Conference in Patent Dispute with Liton
A new court filing in the ongoing legal battle between Signify and EEMA Industries, Inc. (doing business as Liton and Liton Lighting) reveals that Signify strongly opposes Liton’s request for an early court-ordered settlement conference. The case, pending in the Central District of California, centers on claims of extensive patent infringement.
Signify: “Too Soon to Settle”
In its 28 July 2025 memorandum, Signify stated that scheduling a settlement conference now would be premature and unproductive. The company emphasized that both parties met in person in Los Angeles on 26 June, one day before the Initial Scheduling Conference, and have engaged in ongoing settlement discussions.
However, Signify explained that the sides remain far apart. Their settlement positions are described as “diametrically opposed,” leaving little room for productive talks at this stage.
Mediation Already Planned for 2026
Signify pointed to the court’s existing schedule, which includes private mediation before 27 March 2026. That plan was agreed upon in the Joint Rule 26(f) Report. The company believes mediation will be more useful after discovery and claim construction are complete.
Signify also noted that the parties have already followed the court’s guidance by attempting to negotiate directly before involving formal settlement procedures.
Claims of Willful Infringement
The core of Signify’s argument centers on claims that Liton has knowingly infringed on its patents since at least 2018. Signify said it made repeated efforts to address the issue before filing suit, but those attempts were ignored.
According to the filing, Liton continues to manufacture, sell, and distribute products that incorporate Signify’s patented technologies. The company labeled this behavior as willful and described the infringement as “egregious.”
Dozens of Patents at Stake
Signify has put Liton on notice for infringing more than 50 U.S. patents. Seven are currently asserted in the litigation, but many more could be added. The listed patents cover a wide range of lighting technologies including LED drivers, dimming systems, configurable lighting modules, and thermal management solutions.
Signify Dismisses Laches Defense
Liton’s legal strategy appears to lean on the doctrine of laches. However, Signify argues that this defense no longer applies in patent cases. The company cited the Supreme Court’s 2017 decision in SCA Hygiene v. First Quality Baby Products, which ruled that laches cannot block claims for damages within the six-year statutory window.
Signify further pointed out that Liton’s own law firm previously published a legal article confirming the elimination of the laches defense.
Parties Unable to Meet in August
Liton requested that the court schedule a settlement conference around the upcoming 22 August 2025 status conference. Signify responded that its two representatives with settlement authority are unavailable—one is traveling abroad on a family vacation, while the other is moving a child into college.
Signify Asks Court to Stay the Course
In closing, Signify urged the court to deny Liton’s motion and allow the case to proceed under the current schedule. The company reiterated that it is not opposed to settlement but believes meaningful discussions must follow discovery.
The case is titled Signify Holding B.V. and Signify North America Corporation v. EEMA Industries, Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-03928-SB-MAR.
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