Tulip Wins Third Injunction against Sunwoda in German Patent Case
Tulip Innovation Secures Battery Patent Lawsuit Victory Against Sunwoda in Court
In a significant development, Tulip Innovation, acting as the licensing agent for LG Energy Solution and Panasonic, has secured another injunction against the Sunwoda Group in a German patent infringement case. The latest decision, issued on July 17, 2025, by the Munich District Court's 7th division, grants Tulip injunctive relief and orders Sunwoda to recall and destroy infringing batteries, pay damages, and provide accounting information to calculate damages [1][2].
The Patented Technology
The patented technology at the heart of this case involves LG Energy Solution's innovative designs for electrode and separator arrangements in lithium-ion batteries. These designs include a complex separator arrangement that significantly enhances the safety and performance of high-capacity batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems [2][3]. The technology is widely applied in the prismatic battery sector, particularly in the manufacture of high-output, high-capacity batteries for electric vehicles and similar applications [2].
The Infringing Batteries
The batteries at issue in the case are specific models used in the Dacia Spring, an electric vehicle. However, the patent is applicable to any battery model that utilizes the patented technology [2]. The Munich District Court determined that Sunwoda's lithium-ion prismatic batteries infringed upon LG Energy Solution's patents [3].
The Ongoing Litigation
The litigation is still ongoing, with the nullity action pending. Sunwoda has filed a separate nullity action relating to the patent, which is currently under review [1]. Andreas von Falck, a partner at Hogan Lovells, who represents Tulip in the proceedings, expressed confidence that the decision will stand on appeal [1].
The Legal Team
Tulip is represented in the proceedings by a Hogan Lovells team, including Dr. Andreas von Falck, Dr. Alexander Klicznik, Dr. Roman Würtenberger, Dr. Markus Kuczera, Lea Gröblinghoff, Dr. Michael Plagge, and Dr. Yun-Suk Jang [1]. Sunwoda is represented by A&O Shearman in the proceedings.
Previous Wins for Tulip
This latest victory for Tulip follows two earlier decisions in May 2025, where Tulip won injunctions against Sunwoda in similar patent infringement cases [2][3]. The decision is immediately enforceable against the provision of security, but it remains subject to Sunwoda's potential appeal [1].
[1] Tulip Innovation wins third injunction in German litigation against Sunwoda Group of companies. (2025, July 17). Retrieved from https://www.hoganlovells.com/news/tulip-innovation-wins-third-injunction-in-german-litigation-against-sunwoda-group-of-companies
[2] Tulip Innovation wins injunction in German patent infringement case against Sunwoda Group. (2025, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.ip-watch.org/2025/05/15/tulip-innovation-wins-injunction-in-german-patent-infringement-case-against-sunwoda-group/
[3] Tulip Innovation wins second injunction in German patent infringement case against Sunwoda Group. (2025, May 20). Retrieved from https://www.ip-watch.org/2025/05/20/tulip-innovation-wins-second-injunction-in-german-patent-infringement-case-against-sunwoda-group/
- The ongoing litigation between Tulip Innovation and Sunwoda Group demonstrates the importance of protecting intellectual property, particularly in the business sector involving technology and finance.
- This legal dispute, centered around patented technology in the prismatic battery industry, could potentially influence Eurozone's lithium-ion battery market, a crucial component of the European Union's finance-supported renewable energy and electric vehicle industries.
