Samsung Display has filed complaints against 17 smartphone repair stores, claiming their use of third-party OLED panels infringes its patents.

The Korean giant, responsible for close to 70 per cent of all OLED panels used in premium mobile devices, claims these repair stores are illegally importing and selling panels using its patented panel technology, citing Section 337 of the US Tariff Act of 1930.

The US International Trade Commission, the country’s consumer watchdog, has launched an investigation based on the complaints.

“We are actively looking into ways to better protect our intellectual property rights, an outcome of the hard work of all company officials,” said Choi Kwon-young, executive vice president at Samsung Display.

“Using legitimate technology and protecting its value is part of our duty for clients and customers. We will make our best effort to establish righteous governance culture.”

The ‘right to repair’ debate has been raging for the past few years. Despite numerous pushes to force manufacturers to make spare parts available to third-party repair stores, no laws have been passed to date in the US, despite the automotive industry having similar regulations in places since 2014.

This particular case deals with illegal import and sale of patented technology, rather than the issues of voided warranties and prohibitive part costs, so it doesn’t squarely fall under this law.

Apple has sidestepped any debate over the use of third-party parts by blocking the True Tone light-adjusting feature from working if the original display gets replaced with an unauthorised screen.