#Budapest #Hungary #Tulip Innovation #Sunwoda Batteries #KTC Lawsuit

Tulip Innovation Takes Legal Action Against Sunwoda Batteries

On January 19, 2026, the Korea Trade Commission (KTC) initiated legal proceedings based on allegations from Tulip Innovation. The claims assert that Sunwoda's lithium-ion battery cells, along with battery packs produced for the Geely Auto Group's popular hybrid SUV in Korea, infringe on a patent included in Tulip's battery licensing program. This escalation follows patent lawsuits filed in Germany and underscores Sunwoda's ongoing refusal to obtain a proper license.

The KTC lawsuit specifically targets Korean Patent No. 10-1089135, which pertains to the combination of an electrode and a battery separator—elements crucial for both the safety and performance of batteries. Interestingly, this Korean patent mirrors one of the European patents that Tulip has previously asserted in German legal actions. In the past year, these efforts have resulted in three injunctions against Sunwoda, further tightening the screws on the manufacturer.

Tulip Innovation acts as a licensing agent for a portfolio that includes over 5,000 patents from prominent industry players, including LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy. As a result, Tulip's enforcement measures primarily target battery manufacturers, although they may also extend to customers acquiring batteries from unlicensed suppliers. This recent case launched in Korea illustrates the global significance and strength of Tulip's patent portfolio, indicating that companies operating in the downstream supply chain for lithium-ion batteries might face liability concerning infringements related to unlicensed products.

Ferencz Farkas, the Director of Tulip, stated, "Tulip filed this lawsuit in Korea as part of its commitment to promoting fair and competitive market conditions in the battery industry. Our objective is to license all manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries. If necessary, Tulip is prepared to take action against various participants in the supply chain to protect the intellectual property rights of our licensors."

Tulip Innovation Kft., an independent entity based in Hungary, was established to build and manage the licensing program for lithium-ion batteries. With Hungary being a central hub for European battery manufacturing, Tulip focuses on collaborating with businesses that utilize lithium-ion technology to grant them access to its robust intellectual property (IP) portfolio. Led by a team of licensing experts with decades of industry experience, Tulip combines strong connections and expertise in patent license negotiations and management. For further information, visit Tulip Innovation.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the eyes of the industry are on Tulip Innovation’s strategies and the potential impact this litigation may have on both Sunwoda Batteries and the broader market for lithium-ion batteries. The continuing legal challenges could set significant precedents regarding patent rights and licensing requirements, paving the way for a more structured and legally compliant battery manufacturing ecosystem.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation in the lithium-ion battery landscape as Tulip Innovation seeks to uphold its patent rights against non-compliant manufacturers like Sunwoda.