In all likelihood, Funai will appeal the ruling—but outside of a courtroom miracle, this should effectively bring the situation to a close. The reality is that patent infringement cases like this pop up from time to time, and victory seems rare. [Vizio via Electronista]

The best, and really, only source of information on the status of the legal conflict comes from the two companies themselves, who have each sent out deliberately opaque press releases on the matter. From Funai:

Funai today marked a major achievement in its quest to end patent infringement by VIZIO and other television manufacturers. Today was the last day of a 60-day period in which US President Barack Obama could overrule the US International Trade Commission's (ITC) determination that VIZIO and other companies infringe on Funai's digital television patent...As of tomorrow, the ITC's exclusion order is final and [Vizio is] barred from importing or selling infringing Digital television products in the U.S.

Hooray for Funai! Down with Vizio! Justice has been served! But wait, take a close look at the language:

[Vizio is] barred from importing or selling infringing Digital television products in the U.S.

So not all Vizio products have been banned, just infringing ones. It's obvious, necessary language, but also an important distinction. To Vizio:

The products involved with this particular claim are obsolete, and no longer in mass production. Therefore we believe this action will not impact our ability to conduct our business in normal fashion

So—and please, commenter-lawyers, correct me if I'm wrong—it sounds like an import and sales ban has been upheld for past Vizio products, not anything they plan to import from now on. Nonetheless, the company is appealing the ITC's decision again, whether it be to help clear present inventory or to avoid some kind of future fines or legal difficulties. In short, Vizio's cheap, OK TVs—the most popular in the country—will probably still be in Best Buy tomorrow. [HdGuru]

The case is still being reviewed in the appeals court, and President Obama is still eligible to make a decision on the case, but for now, Vizio has to pay a bond of $2.50 per TV to keep importing and selling units. [Bloomberg via Engadget]

Update: Funai also took over the Phlips TV brand in the US, which means you might be seeing this under their name as well.

Funai will be making, distributing and marketing TVs under the Philips and Magnavox brands in the US for the next five years, starting Sept. 1. They'll also get full access to Philips' R&D, including its Eco TV, but it's anyone's guess as to how much of its CES lineup will materialize now.. Here's the full press release:

April 8, 2008

PHILIPS TAKES DECISIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE PROFITABILITY OF ITS TELEVISION BUSINESS

• Philips will enter into a brand license agreement to transfer its North American consumer TV activities to Funai
• Philips will continue to take steps to improve profitability of its TV operations by further optimizing its supply base
• Charges of up to EUR 125 million will be taken during 2008 in connection with the above

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHI) and Funai Electric Co Ltd (TSE/OSE: 6839) of Japan today announced their intention to enter into a brand licensing agreement under which Funai will assume responsibility for the sourcing, distribution, marketing and sales of all Philips' consumer television activities in the United States and Canada. The five-year minimum agreement takes effect September 1, 2008 and stipulates Philips will receive royalty payments in exchange for Funai's right to exclusively use the Philips and Magnavox brand names for its consumer television offerings in North America during this period. This agreement secures continued presence of Philips and Magnavox branded TV's in North America in a model that safeguards Philips profitability in this highly competitive market.

Philips today also announced that it will continue to take steps to improve the financial performance of its television operations by further optimizing its existing global supply base and focusing its TV business on its strongest markets, especially in Europe and in key emerging countries. To cover for the costs associated with these additional steps, and the costs associated with the transfer of the company's North American TV activities to Funai, Philips will take total charges of up to EUR 125 million during 2008.

"The agreement with Funai and the other measures to improve profitability we are planning, follow our commitment that we would take decisive steps in addressing the unacceptable profitability levels in our TV business in 2008," Philips President and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Kleisterlee said. "We have an 18 year working relationship with Funai and are confident it is an excellent partner to implement this new model for Philips' television business in North America. This agreement will ensure a presence for Philips television in North America and uninterrupted access to innovative products for consumers."

Other Philips consumer business categories in North America are not affected by this agreement and will continue to be manufactured, marketed and sold by Philips. Philips' television position in the rest of the world is also unaffected by this partnership with Funai.

Funai will have access to Philips' world-class Research and Design experts to ensure Philips televisions deliver continuous innovation to consumers in both technology and form. These include the recently launched Design Collection and energy-efficient range of televisions dubbed the 'Eco TV'. Funai will be licensed on condition of compliance with Philips requirements on brand use, product quality, product design and provision of consumer care. Philips television sales in North America amounted to EUR 1 billion in 2007. Completion of this intended agreement is subject to any mandatory governmental regulatory approvals.

According to Tetsuro Funai, President and CEO of Funai Electric Co., Ltd, "Philips and Funai have a long history together, and we are proud to be the trusted partner charged with managing this important and high profile product category for Philips. As a premium brand, Philips will add lustre to our existing portfolio and consumers can continue to count on the Philips quality, design and innovation to which they have become accustomed. We look forward to working together to ensure a seamless transition of the business."