Honeywell asks panel to take up patent suit

WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Honeywell International (HON.N) has accused four Japanese firms and their U.S. subsidiaries of infringing its patents, according to a filing with the International Trade Commission received on Tuesday.

Honeywell accused the Japanese companies -- Alpine Electronics (6816.T), Denso Corporation, Pioneer Corporation (PION.ZI) and Kenwood Corporation -- of infringing patents for "automotive display and navigation systems."

The four companies all have U.S. subsidiaries that are also named in Honeywell's request for an investigation.

The commission has been a popular venue for patent infringement suits because, unlike other courts, it can bar products made with infringed technology from importation.

"Honeywell continues to invest substantial resources in the design, development and manufacture of navigation systems and equipment," said Honeywell Aerospace spokeswoman Cathy Gedvilas. "This action will protect against the unauthorized use of our patented technologies." (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Gary Hill)