Whirlpool on Tuesday asked a U.S. trade agency to block the import and sale of microwaves from rival manufacturers based in South Korea and China, alleging they copied its patented technology for over-the-range models.
The complaint, filed with the Washington-based U.S. International Trade Commission, aims to protect a key market for Whirlpool, based in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Whirlpool alleges that South Korean rivals Samsung and LG, along with China-based Midea and Haier, infringed five of its patents for “low-profile microwave-hood combination products,” or LP-MHCs.
In its complaint, Whirlpool said it pioneered technology for the microwaves, which both cook and provide ventilation.
Spokespeople for Samsung, LG, Haier-owned GE Appliances and Midea did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the complaint. Whirlpool said in a statement that it “will not hesitate to defend our innovation and intellectual property when a competitor steals a patent-protected design.”
“Whirlpool created the LP-MHC product category, and until the Proposed Respondents began their unlawful conduct, Whirlpool was the sole provider of LP-MHCs in the United States,” the complaint said.
