Press Release: Munich Court Rules in Favor of Tulip Innovation in Patent Dispute with Sunwoda
Munich, Germany — The Munich Regional Court has handed down a significant ruling in favor of Tulip Innovation concerning the patent EP 2 378 595 B1, which protects an advanced electrode and separator arrangement used in battery technology. The court, under presiding judge Oliver Schön, found that Sunwoda, a Chinese technology firm specializing in lithium-ion batteries, infringed Tulip’s patent, leading to an injunction against Sunwoda.
The EP 595 patent remains valid until December 2029. As a response, Sunwoda has filed a nullity suit at the German Federal Patent Court, although preliminary opinions suggest the patent will likely be upheld. Tulip has responded by asserting a sub-claim focusing on a narrower version of the patent, in light of new evidence that Sunwoda presented.
This legal battle marks another chapter in a broader patent dispute, as Tulip has sued Sunwoda over multiple patents related to battery technology in Germany. The claimant highlights that Sunwoda manages a portfolio of over 5,000 patents from industry giants like LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy. This specific case revolves around batteries used in the Dacia Spring, an electric vehicle produced in China by the Romania-based Dacia, part of the Renault Group.
The ruling is significant not only for the current findings but also because it extends a sales ban on certain Sunwoda batteries, previously imposed in May for two related patents. Both Tulip and Sunwoda have displayed intent to appeal various decisions made by the court.
Tulip is represented by a legal team from Hogan Lovells, while Sunwoda has engaged A&O Shearman to manage its defense. This dynamic case continues to develop, highlighting ongoing tensions in the rapidly evolving battery technology sector.
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