Whirlpool Corporation announced that it has filed a patent infringement action against LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea, and its U.S. and Mexican affiliates.The action, filed with the ITC in Washington, DC, states that several LG- manufactured refrigerator products imported into the U.S. infringe on five Whirlpool patents. Whirlpool is asking the ITC to issue an order to stop LG from selling and importing products into the U.S. that infringe on its patents. Whirlpool believes that such an order would affect the majority of the refrigerators sold in the U.S. by LG.

The patents protect proprietary technologies associated with the fastest growing segments in refrigeration — French Door Bottom Mount, Bottom (freezer) Mount, and select Side-by-side refrigerators — Whirlpool products that deliver innovative features consumers want:

• Reliable external ice and water dispensing through the door
• Freezer drawer support structure that allows easy organization and compartment access

“Whirlpool invests heavily in developing innovative technologies for all of our businesses — including refrigeration — that help differentiate our products and bring meaningful benefits to consumers,” said Phil Pejovich, vice president, refrigeration, Whirlpool North America Region (NAR). “To protect these investments, we will vigorously defend our valuable assets from competitors who disregard U.S. law.”