SEOUL -- A feud between two South Korean battery makers escalated on Friday as SK Innovation said it plans to sue bigger rival LG Chem in the United States over alleged patent infringement related to electric vehicles.
The proposed new lawsuit by SK drew a swift denunciation from LG, which called the action "groundless" and said it would seek compensation.
The two companies have been at loggerheads since LG sued SK in the United States in April for alleged theft of trade secrets by hiring former LG Chem employees. SK Innovation denied wrongdoing and the litigation is ongoing.
Firing the latest round, SK Innovation said it was preparing to file lawsuits against LG Chem and LG Chem Michigan through the U.S. International Trade Commission alleging patent breaches.
SK declined to provide further detail, including specifics of when the case would be filed but said the action was imminent. The company said a substantial amount of LG's battery products were likely to be affected and a win would prohibit LG from selling those products.
"These lawsuits are not relevant to LG Chem's lawsuit against us accusing misappropriation of trade secrets, but they are rightful lawsuits to protect our intellectual property," said YS Yoon, president of SK's battery business, downplaying any suggestion of a tit-for-tat move.
In reply, LG said the planned lawsuit was "groundless," "very regrettable" and "unnecessary."
"If the competitor admits its fault and promises to prevent the recurrence with a sincere apology, we will agree to dialogue when they are willing to seriously talk about compensation," LG said in a statement.
