Tulip Innovation Obtains Landmark Injunctions in Battery Patent Dispute against Sunwoda Group
BUDAPEST – MAY 27, 2025 – On 22 May 2025, Tulip Innovation won injunctions in German litigation based on two pivotal patents concerning battery separator technology against the China based Sunwoda Group of companies. Tulip is the licensing agent for a portfolio of over 5,000 patents owned by LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy, and was represented by Hogan Lovells.
The oral hearing before the Munich District Court’s 7th division against Sunwoda Electronic and Sunwoda Mobility Energy Technology as well as their German affiliates Sunwoda Europe and Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Germany resulted in an immediate decision from the bench, granting Tulip the requested injunctive relief against the batteries at issue in both matters. Tulip’s requests for additional relief were also granted, including obligations for Sunwoda to recall and destroy any remaining batteries in its direct or indirect possession, pay damages to Tulip in principle, and provide detailed accounting information to enable Tulip to calculate its damages claim.
The two decisions appear to be the first injunctions in relation to car batteries in Germany and represent a major milestone for Tulip’s licensing program as they demonstrate the value of its portfolio. They show that there is no “free riding” for battery manufacturers on the technology invented by the innovation leaders in the field, including LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy.
Andreas von Falck, Hogan Lovells Partner, commented: “We are very pleased with the court’s decision and are confident that the decision will stand on appeal.” Giustino de Sanctis, CEO of Tulip, added: “The Tulip program is an excellent opportunity for companies active in lithium-ion battery manufacturing to obtain broad licenses for major technology areas that could serve as bedrocks for their businesses. By providing a fair patent license opportunity to industry latecomers, Tulip will contribute to upholding fair and competitive market conditions in the battery industry.”
The two patents in litigation are the German parts of the European Patents EP 1 829 139 B1 and EP 2 528 141 B1, and are co-owned by Tulip and LG Energy Solution. They both relate to a battery separator, an important element for the safety and performance of a car battery. The batteries at issue in the case are specific models used in the Dacia Spring but the patents are applicable to any battery model to the extent that it makes use of the patented technologies.
The decisions are immediately enforceable against the provision of security but remain subject to appeal by Sunwoda, and Sunwoda has filed separate nullity actions relating to the patents that are pending.
Tulip is represented in the proceedings by a Hogan Lovells team including Dr. Andreas von Falck, Dr. Alexander Klicznik, Dr. Roman Würtenberger, Lukas Sievers, Dr. Michael Plagge and Dr. Yun-Suk Jang. Sunwoda is represented by A&O Shearman and df-mp.
About Tulip Innovation
Tulip Innovation Kft. is an independent company founded to establish and manage the lithium-ion battery licensing program. Based in Hungary, the hub of European battery manufacturing, Tulip’s mission is to collaborate with companies implementing Li-ion battery technology to ensure that their manufacturing operations have access to Tulip’s robust IP portfolio. Led by a team of licensing professionals with decades of experience, Tulip has a unique combination of strong industry connections and expertise in negotiating and administering patent licenses. Additional information is available at www.tulipinnovation.com
Tulip Innovation Launches New Patent Licensing Program based on LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy Lithium-Ion Battery Technologies
Battery manufacturers now have an efficient and flexible way to access rights under broad patent portfolios of more than 5,000 patents encompassing critical IP from two industry pioneers.
BUDAPEST – MAY 30, 2024 – Tulip Innovation Kft. today announced the launch of a new licensing program aggregating patents related to lithium-ion battery technology from LG Energy Solution, Ltd. (LG Energy Solution) and Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. (Panasonic Energy). Tulip’s new licensing program is based on a combined portfolio of more than 5,000 LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy patents from over 1,500 patent families and is available to all battery manufacturers globally. This program represents the largest aggregation of patents offered for license in the battery industry to date.
LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy are leaders and pioneers in lithium-ion battery technology, with a history of groundbreaking innovation spanning more than two decades and significant investments in research and development annually. These companies have successfully developed – and served as the principal contributors to – many of the most widely deployed battery technologies in the world.
Tulip’s program offers battery manufacturers a new efficient and alternative way of accessing this wide range of patented technologies from LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy through a single license. The patent portfolio licensed by Tulip covers a broad spectrum of materials and processes related to cathode, anode, electrolyte, separator, and electrode, as well as structures and processes related to cells, modules, and packs.
“With standardized agreements, streamlined administration, and a single point of contact, Tulip offers considerable advantages for manufacturers who are ready to obtain the IP licenses necessary to cover their lithium-ion battery operations under the LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy patent portfolios,” said Giustino de Sanctis, CEO of Tulip.
Tulip’s engagement as licensing administrator reflects the trust in its team of experienced patent licensing professionals shared by both LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy.
“The Tulip program is an excellent opportunity for companies active in lithium-ion battery manufacturing to obtain broad licenses on major technology areas that could serve as bedrocks for their businesses,” said Jay Kim, Chief Technology Officer of LG Energy Solution. “By providing a fair patent license opportunity to industry latecomers, Tulip will contribute to upholding fair and competitive market condition in the battery industry.”
“Creating a fair competitive environment through this program will foster innovation in green technology, thereby contributing to achieving a more sustainable society,” said Shoichiro Watanabe, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Energy. “Tulip’s unique ability to provide licensees with tailored solutions, combined with a deep understanding of the technologies and industry standards, along with simplified reporting and administrative procedures, will significantly benefit all stakeholders involved.”
For more information, please visit www.tulipinnovation.com.
About Tulip Innovation
Tulip Innovation Kft. is an independent company founded to establish and manage the lithium-ion battery licensing program. Based in Hungary, the hub of European battery manufacturing, Tulip’s mission is to collaborate with companies implementing Li-ion battery technology to ensure that their manufacturing operations have access to Tulip’s robust IP portfolio. Led by a team of licensing professionals with decades of experience, Tulip has a unique combination of strong industry connections and expertise in negotiating and administering patent licenses. Additional information is available at www.tulipinnovation.com
About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 58,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
About Panasonic Energy
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe, reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas, from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability, and through its business activities the Company aims to address societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/.
