Whirlpool, the world’s largest maker of appliances, lost a ruling in a bid to block LG Electronics from importing some of its refrigerators into the United States.
A judge with the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington said on Thursday Whirlpool hadn’t proven that LG infringed its patent related to the storage of ice through the appliance doors. The judge’s findings are subject to review with the full six-member commission
“This decision proves that LG Electronics is truly a leader in providing innovative appliances for American consumers while promoting fair competition,” Lee Yeong-ha, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance Co., said in a statement.
Both companies are trying to preserve revenue as the global recession crimps appliance sales, and they are using their patents to try to shut each other out of the U.S. market. Last year, LG agreed to modify the design of the ice maker in some of its refrigerators to resolve part of the ITC dispute.
Whirlpool spokeswoman Jill Saletta said the Michigan-based company hasn’t seen the full findings by the judge. “It’s too soon for us to comment until we’ve had a chance to review it,” she said.