U.S. trade body to probe Sony

TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. International Trade Commission said it would launch an investigation into some 30 companies including Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) on possible patent infringements related to Blu-ray disc players and other products.

The commission said on its Web site on Thursday that the products involved are short-wavelength light-emitting diodes and laser diodes used in such electronics as handheld mobile devices, traffic lights and high-definition DVD players.

The move is based on a complaint filed in February by Columbia University Professor Emeritus Gertrude Neumark Rothschild, who is seeking to block imports into the United States of a range of products that she said were infringing her patent.

Besides Sony, companies cited in the ITC announcement include Nokia (NOK1V.HE: Quote, Profile, Research), Motorola Inc (MOT.N: Quote, Profile, Research), LG Electronics Inc (066570.KS: Quote, Profile, Research), and Panasonic maker Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd (6752.T: Quote, Profile, Research).

A Sony spokesman said the consumer electronics maker could not as the investigation is ongoing.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka)