Whirlpool said on Friday that the International Trade Commission has launched an investigation into South Korea’s LG Electronics Inc. as well as its U.S. and Mexican affiliates, following a patent infringement complaint filed by Whirlpool against LG on Jan. 23.
Whirlpool said it is asking the ITC to issue an order to stop LG from selling and importing products into the U.S. that infringe on five patents related to its refrigerator business.
Whirlpool added that it believes that such an order would affect the majority of refrigerators sold in the U.S. by LG.
LG have responded with a short press release declaring that “LG Electronics is proud of its commitment to innovation, the company is cooperating fully with the ITC investigation and is confident that it will prevail in this matter.”
Meanwhile Whirlpool have commented that, “We are gratified that the ITC has begun an investigation as a result of our complaint against LG,” said Phil Pejovich, vice president, refrigeration, Whirlpool North America Region.
Whirlpool shares fell 1.2% to $87.86.
