- The company said that this home appliance manufacturer has used one of LG’s patented technology
- These lawsuits have been filed in the The Munich (Ger.) District Court I
LG Electronics Inc. (LG) has filed patent infringement lawsuits against Turkish-based home appliance manufacturer Arcelik A.S. and its German affiliates Beko Deutschland GmbH and Grundig Intermedia GmbH in The Munich (Ger.) District Court I. The suits center on the unlicensed implementation of LG’s freezer door-ice making technology featured in a number of the companies’ refrigerators sold in Europe.
“We continue to proactively protect our intellectual property and will respond vigorously to the unauthorized use of our patented technologies. As international competition over innovation increases, it is more important than ever that we protect our investments in research and development, “said Jeon Saeng-gyu, executive vice president of LG’s Intellectual Property Center.
Arcelik A.S and Voltas are partners in India
Interestingly, Arecelik A.S and Voltas has announced a joint venture between the two in 2017. Both the company’s have been retailing appliances under Voltas Beko brand name since last two years in India. It is not clear whether the lawsuits include Voltas Beko products being retailed in India or not.
Hakan Bulgurlu, the then CEO of Arçelik had said, “Our joint venture with Voltas and Tata Group demonstrates Beko’s commitment to India and showcases Beko’s “Silk Road” strategy, which seeks to capitalize on major growth opportunities in countries across the Asia Pacific. India’s rapidly expanding new middle class presents a major opportunity for our business. This young, urbanizing population includes many first-time buyers investing in white goods. The potential for growth in this market is incredibly exciting and we are proud to be partnering with the Tata Group, to deliver this ambitious new partnership.
LG had patented this technology in June 2019
LG’s patented door-ice making technology, as per the company, efficiently utilizes the storage space of the freezer to take up less room than a conventional ice maker and frees up more space for food storage. In June of this year, LG licensed its patented door-ice making technology for French-door refrigerators to Haier-owned GE Appliances.
Company’s official statement read, “Legal action became LG’s final option after negotiations with Arçelik A.Ş., Beko Deutschland GmbH’s and Grundig Intermedia GmbH’s parent company, failed to make headway. LG’s freezer door-ice making technology was originally developed by LG for its side-by-side refrigerator models and is included in a portfolio of more than 400 patents specifically relating to door-ice making technology. “
The three companies are all affiliates of Turkey’s Koç Holding A.Ş., whose home appliances are available mainly in Turkey and major European markets.
