Whirlpool Sues Rivals To End Import Of ‘Copycat’ Microwaves

By Editorial Team

Whirlpool Corp. has taken legal action by urging the U.S. International Trade Commission to block imports of specific microwaves from competitors such as Samsung, LG, Haier, and others. The lawsuit alleges that these companies have infringed upon several patents owned by Whirlpool for its combination hood microwaves.

Whirlpool’s move to protect its intellectual property comes as a response to what it perceives as unauthorized use of its patented technology by rival brands. The company is seeking to put an end to the importation of these allegedly infringing microwaves into the United States.

The legal battle involves multiple parties, with Whirlpool targeting companies like Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., LG Electronics Inc., Haier Group, AB Electrolux, and Midea America Corp. The case has been filed with the International Trade Commission, as well as in the U.S. District Courts for the District of New Jersey and the Eastern District of Texas.

Key patents at the center of the dispute include numbers 12,289,819, 12,133,317, 11,079,118, 12,101,865, and 11,979,967, all related to Whirlpool’s combination microwave and hood system technology.

Whirlpool’s legal representatives in this matter include law firms Midlige Richter and Winston & Strawn. The case is expected to unfold in the coming months as the involved parties present their arguments and evidence.

For more information on this developing legal case, interested parties can access the attached documents related to the complaints filed by Whirlpool against the respective companies.