#Budapest #Hungary #Patent Litigation #Tulip Innovation #Sunwoda Group

Tulip Innovation Strengthens Legal Position with New Injunction Against Sunwoda Group

On July 17, 2025, Tulip Innovation announced the successful acquisition of an additional injunction against Sunwoda Group in a German court concerning innovative battery technologies. This recent legal development follows two earlier injunctions granted by the Munich District Court on May 22, 2025, marking a significant victory for Tulip in its ongoing battle to protect its intellectual property.

The injunction specifically targets Sunwoda Electronic, Sunwoda Mobility Energy Technology, and their affiliated companies in Germany, namely Sunwoda Europe and Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Germany. The court ruling addresses the infringement of the European patent EP 2 378 595 B1, relating to the combination of battery electrodes and separators, crucial components for the performance and safety of electric vehicle batteries.

The court session that led to this decision was held on July 3, 2025, and the ruling was issued just two weeks later, underscoring the court's promptness in handling patent disputes. Not only did the court uphold Tulip’s claims, but it also mandated that Sunwoda must recall and destroy all batteries that infringe on this patent and provide detailed accounting to facilitate Tulip's compensation for damages.

Giustino de Sanctis, CEO of Tulip, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, highlighting its significance in maintaining a level playing field within the battery manufacturing market. “This decision affirms the value of our licensing program and underscores our commitment to fostering fair and competitive market conditions in the battery sector,” stated de Sanctis. He also welcomed discussions for extended licenses with any firms involved in lithium-ion battery production.

Reflecting on the implications of the ruling, Andreas von Falck, a partner at Hogan Lovells, who represented Tulip, noted the strong judicial support for Tulip’s patent stance. He conveyed optimism for the upholding of this decision should it be appealed by Sunwoda, who has initiated a separate nullity action related to the patent, currently pending.

The technology at the heart of this legal conflict involves specific batteries used in the Dacia Spring model. Nonetheless, the patent itself applies broadly to any battery model utilizing the covered technologies, making it a pivotal point of contention in the electric vehicle landscape.

The injunction takes effect immediately upon the provision of a guaranty, but Sunwoda retains the right to appeal. The legal representation for Tulip consisted of a skilled team from Hogan Lovells, emphasizing the robust legal strategies employed in defending their patent rights.

About Tulip Innovation

Tulip Innovation Kft. is an independent organization founded to oversee and manage licensing programs for lithium-ion batteries. Headquartered in Hungary, a major hub for battery manufacturing in Europe, Tulip aims to work with companies implementing lithium-ion battery technologies, ensuring they gain access to a substantial portfolio of intellectual property. Tulip is led by a team of licensing professionals with extensive industry experience, uniquely positioned to foster strong relationships and negotiate favorable licensing agreements. For more information, visit www.tulipinnovation.com.