LG Energy patent suit puts Chinese EV battery supplier at risk

South Korea’s LG Energy Solution filed an injunction against Volvo Car Korea over batteries used in the EX30, in a move targeting Chinese supplier Sunwoda for alleged patent infringement.

Through patent partner Tulip Innovation, LG also asked Korea’s Trade Commission to investigate alleged unfair trade practices.

Tulip filed a similar injunction in Germany against Nissan over the Qashqai hybrid SUV and earlier won a ruling there that imposed a Sunwoda sales ban and ordered recalls over the same patent.

The dispute centers on a patent covering an electrode assembly structure using a coated separator in EV and energy storage batteries.

🔗 Source: Korea Herald

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Implications, context, and why it matters.

LG Energy’s court wins in Germany have led to sales bans plus recall and destruction orders

German rulings against Sunwoda included a sales ban plus an order to recall and destroy remaining infringing batteries in the company’s direct or indirect possession 1.
LG Energy Solution, working through patent partner Tulip Innovation, has won three separate cases in Germany. The Munich Regional Court issued injunctions in May 2025, followed by a third injunction in July 2025 2.
The decisions covered prismatic batteries (a rectangular battery format) used in the Dacia Spring electric vehicle. LG Energy Solution’s stock rose 8.47% after the third verdict 3.

Automakers have become the front line in the battery patent dispute

LG Energy Solution has filed injunctions in Germany that involve carmakers such as Volvo Car Korea and Nissan, expanding the fight across the EV supply chain 4.
This approach raises the stakes for automakers that use the allegedly infringing cells, with potential vehicle sales disruptions if licensing gaps remain.
Tulip also describes the lawsuits as a way to set up a licensing market. The firm says it wants to discuss broad licenses under the portfolio with all companies active in lithium-ion battery manufacturing 2.
Industry sources cited by the Korea Herald say Sunwoda sits at the center of the effort, while actions against automakers support patent enforcement 4.