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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] LG Energy Solution has filed for a preliminary injunction against Volvo Cars Korea, seeking to halt domestic sales of certain vehicles equipped with batteries allegedly infringing its patents.
According to industry sources on April 5, LG Energy Solution submitted the injunction request last month, targeting the electric SUV EX30 model, which is equipped with prismatic NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) batteries supplied by Sunwoda.
The move is widely interpreted as a direct response to Sunwoda’s refusal to engage in patent royalty negotiations, with LG Energy Solution shifting its legal strategy to target downstream customers using the disputed batteries.
In parallel, LG Energy Solution has also filed a complaint with the Korea Trade Commission under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, requesting an investigation into alleged unfair trade practices. Authorities have reportedly initiated the investigation.
At the center of the dispute is a patented “electrode assembly structure” technology that integrates coated separators to ensure structural stability of electrode layers without separation. The technology is recognized as a proprietary innovation of LG Energy Solution.
Previously, LG Energy Solution filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Sunwoda in Germany last year and secured a favorable ruling. However, Sunwoda has yet to enter into royalty negotiations following the decision.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
