Sony Optical Disc Drive Unit Being Investigated by DOJ

The U.S. Department of Justice has requested information from Sony regarding its optical disc drive business in what could be the start of an investigation into the industry.

Sony Optiarc America received the request from the DOJ, Sony said in a filing to the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Monday morning.

Sony said it understands the request is part of a wider review of competition in the disc drive market by the DOJ and competition authorities in other countries.

Sony Optiarc is a major manufacturer of optical disc drives for Blu-ray Disc and DVD. Its drives are used in products made by Sony and other electronics and PC makers. It has two subsidiaries: a U.S. unit in San Jose and a European unit in Ismaning, Germany. The company was previously a venture between Sony and NEC although NEC sold its 45 percent stake in the company to Sony last year.