AU Optronics (AUO) plans to appeal at the Luxembourg general court against the European Commission's decision to fine TFT-LCD panel makers in Asia EUR649 million (US$858 million) in total, while Chimei Innolux (CMI) has decided to wait until the company receives the verdict and has discussed it with its lawyer.

The European Commission on December 8 announced it will fine Asia-based panel makers AU Optronics (AUO), Chimei Innolux (CMI), Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT), HannStar Display and LG Display EUR649 million for their participation in conspiracies to fix TFT-LCD panel prices. Samsung Electronics also faced charges but was spared a fine because of its cooperation to provide information for the investigation.

AUO noted that it has been cooperating with the European Commission for the past four years, and is currently reviewing the decision and plans to appeal.

AUO will be able to request a hearing at an independent judiciary and get an objective arbitration, the company noted, adding that it will take over two years for the court to come to a decision. AUO indicated that the European Commission's decision will have no major affect on its operations.

Source: European Commission, compiled by Digitimes, December 2010