The U.S. district court in Delaware has affirmed a March 2010 jury finding that LG side-by-side refrigerators infringe Whirlpool’s patented in-door ice dispenser technology.
The court also expanded its ruling by finding that LG French-door models infringe Whirlpool’s patent as well, and that certain LG refrigerators infringe a second Whirlpool patent on strengthened refrigerator cabinets.
The court ordered a new trial to assess monetary damages against LG related to the expanded infringement findings and issues related to enforceability of the patents.
A separate lawsuit is also pending in the Delaware district court over refrigerators currently on the market that LG allegedly modified “in an attempt to skirt” the patent, Whirlpool said. A trial date has not yet been scheduled in that case.
