Polypore has won an injunction against LG Chem preventing the Korean company from producing batteries containing its own version of ceramic coated separators.
Polypore’s subsidiary Celgard claims that LG Chem is infringing Celgard’s patent on ceramic-coated lithium-ion separators. The company has requested a preliminary injunction to prohibit the importation or sale of lithium-ion batteries in the US that contain LG Chem’s lithium-ion separators.
The US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina granted an injunction, which is currently disclosed and will be published at a later stage.
The lithium separators are designed for high-energy rechargeable lithium-ion batteries integrated in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Celgard filed the lawsuit in January this year. Robert Toth, president and chief executive officer at Polypore, said in a statement: “Legal action is not a decision we take lightly. However, LG’s recent approach in both consumer electronics and EDV applications leaves us with no choice.”
The lawsuit followed lengthy discussions with LG, according to Polypore. “We supported LG for years under a formalized memorandum of understanding that was intended to result in a long-term supply agreement, investing substantial capital at their request and developing and qualifying high quality products with unique attributes. Unfortunately, after a long period of support and discussions, LG’s recent approach and demands were simply unacceptable,” added Toth.
Earlier this year, LG Chem has announced plans to manufacture battery separators in-house instead of purchasing them.
