The TV makers have a complicated history
China-based Hisense and Sharp America are big names in the TV industry.
The history between the two companies includes back-and-forth brand and asset ownership, litigation, and more.
Here’s a look at some of what’s transpired between Hisense and Sharp.
In 2015, Hisense began manufacturing all TVs bearing theSharpbrand name in the U.S.
This license for Hisense to use the Sharp brand name had a five-year term with an option to extend.
A Sad Moment for Sharp
The Hisense-Sharp 2015 deal wasn’t unexpected.
Sharp’s TV business had faced financial difficulties.
It was the first TV maker to introduceLCD TVsto the consumer market.
Sharp felt strongly that its name and brand license rights were used inappropriately.
While Sharp dropped the lawsuit in 2018, it quietly continued its comeback plans.
In 2019, Sharp regained its licensing and brand, buying back its assets from Hisense.
Sharp-manufactured Sharp TVs have been back on the market since late 2019.
The company is promising to incorporate new technology into itsSmart TVline as it enters more markets.
