South Korean home appliance maker LG Electronics Inc. has demanded that Miele stop using the technology it created for steam washing machines, claiming that the German appliance maker allegedly infringed on LG's patents.

LG sent a letter to Miele last week, urging the company to take amicable action to resolve the matter and respond by the end of this month.

"After reviewing a response from Miele, we will review possible legal measures if necessary," said an LG official.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said LG will strongly deal with the infringement of its patents.

LG launched its steam washing machine in 2005, becoming the industry's first to commercialize the technology.

LG said it owns about 500 patents for the technology used in steam washing machines.

According to a market researcher GfK, the global market for washing machines is expected to slightly fall to $44 billion this year.  (Yonhap)