LG Energy Solution to License Battery Patents to Prevent Infringement

LG Energy Solution, a leading South Korean battery manufacturer, has announced plans to license its battery patents to other companies in order to prevent technology infringement and protect its intellectual property. The move comes as the company aims to maintain its competitive edge and ensure that its innovations are not illegally used by competitors in the rapidly growing battery industry.

LG Energy Solution has secured over 30,000 patents globally and has identified more than 1,000 highly strategic patents, with 580 likely being infringed by competing battery manufacturers. The company has found potential patent infringement by battery makers supplying batteries to automakers and electronics companies in Europe and China. "LG Energy Solution has noticed an increase in unauthorized use of its patented technologies, including critical components like coated separators and cathode materials," said an LG Energy Solution executive.

To address this issue, LG Energy Solution plans to establish a fair patent licensing market, considering models such as patent pooling or sales. The company believes that a fair patent licensing system is essential for the overall progress of the global battery industry, as it would allow leading players to invest in new technologies and latecomers to enhance their product competitiveness through licensed use. "A fair patent licensing opportunity is essential for the overall progress of the global battery industry, as it would lead to a virtuous cycle of increased investment in new technologies," the executive added.

Why this matters: LG Energy Solution's move to license its battery patents highlights the growing importance of intellectual property protection in the highly competitive battery industry. As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions continues to rise, safeguarding technological innovations and ensuring fair competition will be crucial for the sustainable growth and advancement of the global battery market.

LG Energy Solution emphasizes that protecting IP rights is vital for fair global competition and is committed to defending its patents. If the company's licensing efforts are not appreciated, it is prepared to take stricter measures to protect its intellectual property rights, such as issuing warning notices or filing patent infringement lawsuits. LG Energy Solution is also enhancing its global litigation capabilities by hiring experts in major markets to enforce its rights aggressively through legal actions if necessary.

Key Takeaways

• LG Energy Solution to license battery patents to prevent infringement
• Identified over 1,000 strategic patents, 580 potentially infringed by competitors
• Aims to establish fair patent licensing market for industry progress
• Emphasizes IP protection as crucial for sustainable battery market growth
• Prepared to take legal action against patent infringers if necessary