South Korea Probes China-Made Smartphone Battery for Alleged Patent Infringement

South Korea launched an investigation after suspicions of patent infringement against mobile phone batteries that were made in China surfaced. The officials will check if a patent violation was indeed committed or not.

According to The Korea Economic Daily, Korea’s LG Chem Ltd. and Japan’s Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co. Ltd. requested an investigation, and the officials said both Chinese and some Korean firms would be checked.

Companies to Be Investigated

The country’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 11, that it would initiate an investigation covering Chinese battery makers, manufacturers of high-nickel cathodes, and their Korean importers.

The request for the probe comes after the Japanese chip research and development firm Semiconductor Energy Laboratory alleged that a China-based smartphone maker and a Korean importer that sells these gadgets have infringed its battery patents.

LG Chem also claimed that three Chinese companies producing the high-nickel cathode NCM811 violated its protected patents. It added that the Korean importer of the products committed the same violation as well.

How the Patent was Infringed

The leading battery maker explained that NCM811 is made with a combination of nickel, cobalt, and manganese. It uses the 8:1:1 ratio to make its battery material, which is a key component for making batteries. The high percentage of nickel increases capacity and lowers the price of cathodes, so this unique formula is a patented detail.

In any case, CEO Insights Asia reported that the probe shows the magnified scrutiny on intellectual property (IP) matters in the tech industry, especially in smartphone production. Moreover, the inquiry mirrors South Korea’s commitment to guarantee fair competition while protecting IP rights. Meanwhile, Korea’s MOTIE did not disclose the names of the Chinese firms under investigation.

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