LG Energy Solution announced robust countermeasures against companies infringing on its extensive patent portfolio. The firm is responding to a surge in patent infringements by industry latecomers, which threatens to distort the market and undermine fair competition.
With a storied 30-year history of innovation in battery technology, LG Energy Solution holds over 30,000 issued patents globally, covering critical advancements from battery materials to systems. Amid the exponential growth of the EV battery market, the company has noticed an increase in unauthorised use of its patented technologies, particularly in the EV, consumer electronics, and energy storage sectors.
Examples of infringed technologies include the coated separator and cathode material, essential components of modern batteries that significantly enhance performance and safety. LG Energy Solution's preliminary investigations indicate over 80 potential patent violations across various products commercialised in key markets such as Europe and China.
In an effort to combat these infringements and promote a healthier competitive environment, LG Energy Solution aims to spearhead the formation of a global battery patent pool. This initiative will involve licensing out its innovations in phases, facilitating fair access to cutting-edge technologies for other companies while ensuring that the original developers are compensated.
David Kim, CEO of LG Energy Solution, stated, “Respecting intellectual property rights is foundational for fostering fair competition and innovation in the global market. By leading the establishment of a legitimate battery patent licensing market, we are not only protecting our innovations but also supporting the industry’s growth by making advanced technologies more accessible.”
The company is currently reviewing its portfolio of over 58,000 patent applications to identify highly strategic patents that are crucial for the next generation of battery technologies. With more than 500 patents believed to cover the current state-of-the-art products, LG Energy Solution is preparing to enforce its rights aggressively through legal actions if necessary.
The company plans to enhance its global litigation capabilities by hiring experts in major markets such as the U.S., Europe, and China and by investing in its regional IP offices for better management and enforcement of its intellectual property.
The actions taken by LG Energy Solution are expected to set a precedent in the battery industry, emphasising the importance of intellectual property rights and their role in driving innovation and fair competition. By establishing a structured licensing framework, the company not only aims to protect its own innovations but also to foster a more collaborative and progressive industry environment.
As the EV market continues to expand, the establishment of a fair patent licensing market could lead to more sustainable growth, allowing companies to invest more confidently in new technologies while respecting the intellectual contributions of others. This approach promises to balance competition with collaboration, paving the way for the next wave of technological advancements in the battery industry.
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