The commission said Thursday on its Web site 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 Gertrude Neumark Rothschild, a Columbia University professor emeritus 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 commission's announcement include Nokia, Motorola, LG Electronics, and Panasonic maker Matsushita Electric.
Last month, the Sony-backed Blu-ray format won the battle over which standard would rule the high-definition video world when
A Sony representative said the company wouldn't comment on an ongoing investigation.
