German home appliances maker Miele denied on Friday claims by LG Electronics that it had infringed on washing machine-related patents.

“LG Electronics claimed that Miele used its patent technologies, but we delivered a strong message to LG that we did not use a third party’s patents without permission,” said a Miele Korea spokesperson.

“Miele currently holds patents related to steam washing machine technologies and some are under the patent application process,” he said, adding that it is a routine task of companies to address and resolve patent issues deriving from potential misinterpretation on the scope of patents.

The German tech firm also showed its willingness to solve the issue through communication with LG Electronics.

“We will have a face-to-face conversation over the issue with LG Electronics and we have conveyed our intentions to the company,” the official added. 

 

The response came as LG Electronics sent a letter to Miele on Tuesday, claiming the German firm’s new steam washing machine infringed dozens of LG steam patents.

LG demanded Miele immediately stop using the technologies used for the steam washing machines. The company also said it would consider taking a legal action such as patent litigation if the settlement is not made amicably.

LG Electronics said it would review the letter and take due actions.

In 2005, the Korean tech company unveiled steam washing machines for the first time. The company has currently obtained around 500 patents related to the technologies at home and abroad.

Miele has also recently rolled out its Honeycomb washing machine using steam technologies to target the European home appliances market.

Steam washing technology improves washing power by constantly spraying high temperature steam across the laundry load. This significantly reduces water and power consumption compared to conventional washing methods.
By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)