Chinese Display Company Faces US Ban For Stealing Samsung Tech

Samsung Display has virtually won the OLED trade secret infringement lawsuit against BOE. Recently, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Chinese display maker’s OLED panels can not enter the US market for 14 years and 8 months. This could also restrict BOE from supplying displays for upcoming iPhone models and smart glasses.

ITC ruled in favor of Samsung in the OLED trade secret case against BOE

Last month, the ITC found that BOE and its seven related companies violated US trade law under Section 337 of the Tariff Act. The federal agency proposed two orders: a “limited exclusion order” and a “cease and desist order.” Now, the ITC’s preliminary ruling issued the former order, banning BOE’s OLED panels from being imported into the US.

Since the total development time for Samsung Display’s core OLED technologies was 14 years and 8 months, BOE faces a ban for the same period. While this is not the final ruling, industry experts believe the preliminary ruling is unlikely to change. If the final ruling, expected in November 2025, confirms the same outcome, it will be a big win for Samsung.

Samsung Display appealed to the ITC in 2023, claiming that BOE had stolen trade secrets related to its OLED technology. The Korean display maker had invested heavily in OLED research and development (R&D) since 1997. However, despite entering the market 16 years later than Samsung, BOE quickly began mass production without any evidence of independent R&D.

Finally, ITC acknowledged the Korean giant’s claim, saying “Despite Samsung Display’s excellent security measures, BOE obtained and used Samsung Display’s trade secrets through misappropriation.” Furthermore, the federal agency found that BOE caused substantial harm and serious threats to Samsung Display.

ITC also banned BOE and its local US subsidiaries from any marketing, sales, or advertising within the US. If the final ruling goes against BOE, both Samsung Display and LG Display will be able to expand their presence in the US OLED market.