March 10, 2025
Feit’s White Filament LED Patent Faces Scrutiny
The challenge by Ledvance and GE Lighting gains traction in ongoing dispute
One year ago, Feit Electric took the offensive, filing separate lawsuits against Ledvance and GE Lighting in early 2024 over its patent for white filament LED technology. Now, the two defendants have turned the tables, successfully convincing the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to review the validity of Feit’s patent claims.
By granting the Inter Partes Review (IPR), the PTAB has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that at least one of the 16 challenged claims in Feit’s U.S. Patent No. 8,604,678 could be unpatentable. However, this does not mean the patent is invalid — at least, not yet.
This is the beginning of a detailed review process, which will unfold over the next year. Until a final ruling is issued, Feit’s patent remains in force, and none of its claims have been invalidated.
A Closer Look at the Dispute
The legal battle centers on white filament LED technology, which has gained popularity due to its cleaner off-state appearance compared to traditional yellow-filament designs. Feit’s patent covers a light-diffusing layer that enhances the white appearance of the filament when the bulb is off.
GE Lighting (Savant) and Ledvance argue that Feit’s claims should never have been granted in the first place, citing prior art and technical arguments. The PTAB’s decision to grant review suggests that their challenge has enough merit to warrant a deeper examination.
Above: Excerpt from Feit’s complaint against GE Lighting, featuring GE Lighting’s product packaging
What Happens Next?
The IPR process is a routine but significant step in patent disputes. In recent years, the PTAB grants about two-thirds of IPR petitions, but the outcomes varied in 2024:
- In some cases (8%), all challenged claims are upheld, leaving the patent intact.
- In others (49%), some claims are found unpatentable, while others survive.
- In other instances (30%), the entire patent is invalidated.
- (The remaining cases concluded before a final written decision on patent validity was issued.)
Even if some of Feit’s claims are struck down, any remaining valid claims will still be enforceable. Meanwhile, Feit has the option to amend its claims as the review proceeds.
This case is just one chapter in a broader legal landscape where intellectual property plays a critical role in market competition. With decorative LED lighting becoming a crowded and competitive field, patent disputes like this one will continue to shape product offerings and industry dynamics.
For now, all eyes are on the PTAB as it begins its review.
