The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided to commence an investigation into an alleged patent violation by Korean mobile phone producers.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Eastman Kodak Company.

Kodak claims that Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics infringed on its patent for capturing, compressing and storing digital images when making mobile phones featuring digital cameras.

The camera company sued the Korean firms in a federal court in Rochester, New York, last month, seeking an unspecified amount of damages.

Kodak also lodged a complaint with the International Trade Commission in Washington to stop importation of products made with the disputed technology.