LG Energy Secures Third Lawsuit Victory Against Chinese Battery company Accused of Patent Theft
In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, LG Energy Solution has secured a third legal victory against Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda. The German court ruled in favour of LG Energy Solution on July 17, 2025, finding that Sunwoda's prismatic batteries, used in the Dacia Spring electric vehicle, infringed upon LG Energy Solution's patented "electrode assembly structure" technology.
Key Court Orders
The court's decision mandates several actions for Sunwoda. They are barred from selling the infringing batteries in Germany, and must recall and destroy any remaining batteries. Additionally, Sunwoda is ordered to provide detailed accounting records and pay compensatory damages.
Impact on Global Competition
This series of victories by LG Energy Solution underscores its commitment to protecting intellectual property and promoting a fair licensing ecosystem in the battery sector. The ongoing legal battle between LG Energy Solution and Sunwoda highlights the intense competition and strategic importance of patent management in the EV battery market.
The bans and recalls imposed on Sunwoda can alter market dynamics, potentially affecting Sunwoda's ability to supply batteries to European EV manufacturers. Furthermore, the outcomes of these disputes push for a more structured and fair licensing environment, which can influence other companies' strategies in the battery sector.
LG Energy Solution's Patent Portfolio
LG Energy Solution boasts an impressive patent portfolio, holding approximately 40,000 registered patents and 72,000 applications as of February. The company plans to lead the creation of a global battery patent licensing market to ensure fair competition.
LG Energy Solution has identified numerous commercialized products from competitors that infringe on its proprietary technologies. The company aims to respond firmly through lawsuits and warnings to competitors using its patented technologies without permission.
Sunwoda's Response
Sunwoda retains the right to appeal the latest ruling. The company supplies batteries to major automakers including Renault, Nissan Motor, Geely Auto Group, and Dongfeng Motor.
The Future of the EV Battery Market
The dispute between LG Energy Solution and Sunwoda showcases the critical role of patent protection in shaping the competitive landscape of the EV battery market globally. As the industry continues to grow, it is likely that patent disputes will become more common, underscoring the importance of a fair and structured licensing environment.
[1] LG Energy Solution press release, July 18, 2025. [2] Reuters, July 18, 2025. [3] BloombergNEF, July 19, 2025.
- The court's decision against Sunwoda in the EV battery industry might influence business strategies in the sector, as LG Energy Solution's patent portfolio could potentially block competitors from using its patented technology in finance and technology aspects, such as the "electrode assembly structure" technology.
- The ongoing legal battle between LG Energy Solution and Sunwoda, rooted in the infringement of LG's patented technology, could significantly impact the technology sector, as it highlights the need for businesses to safeguard their intellectual property, particularly in the burgeoning field of EV batteries.
