MJE Challenges POSCO's Steel Coating Patents in Ongoing Disputes

MJE Files Multiple Invalidity Actions Against POSCO's Patents

(Source: https://www.poscotcs.com/product-manufacturing-process)

MJE, a South Korean company headquartered in Pohang, has launched a series of patent invalidation disputes against POSCO, targeting three patents related to steel coating thickness control technology.

The disputes are still in their early stages, and it is expected to take time before any final decisions are reached.

Between February and April 2023, MJE selectively filed invalidation trials and defensive scope confirmation trials against three of POSCO's patents. MJE has seen partial success in its challenges to two of the patents.

Mixed Results for MJE in Key Patent Disputes

MJE filed both invalidation and defensive scope confirmation trials against POSCO's "Air Knife in Continuous Galvanizing Line" (KR0775225). In July 2024, the Korean Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (KIPTAB) ruled that claims 1 and 4 of the patent were invalid, while rejecting invalidity claims on claims 3 and 5 through 11. The defensive scope confirmation trial was dismissed.

In response to this ruling, POSCO filed an appeal with the Patent Court in August 2024, seeking to overturn the invalidation decision. A hearing date has not yet been set.

Similarly, MJE filed challenges against POSCO's "Gas Wiping Apparatus" (KR1988772). In July 2024, KIPTAB invalidated claims 1 through 4 and claim 7, while upholding claims 5 and 6. As with the previous patent, the defensive scope confirmation trial was dismissed.

POSCO appealed the partial invalidation in September 2024, filing for cancellation of the decision with the Patent Court. No hearing date has been scheduled yet.

Setbacks for MJE in Air Knife Patent Case

MJE did not achieve its desired outcome in its invalidation challenge against POSCO's "Air Knife for Coating the Strip" (KR0526133). KIPTAB rejected all of MJE's invalidity claims in April 2024. MJE has since appealed the decision to the Patent Court, with oral arguments scheduled for November 2024.

While this patent has lapsed due to non-payment of renewal fees, it is important to note that any past infringement of the patent during its active period could still entitle POSCO to seek damages.

(Source: https://www.mje.company/)