Mintech and Sungil's Battery Patent Cancelled by Korean Tribunal

Six-Month Review Nullifies Key Claims in Collaborative Filing

(Source: https://www.g-mintech.co.kr/kor/company/menu_01.html#Sub101)

By PatenTrip

The Korean Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (KIPTAB) has canceled the registration of the patent "Connection Apparatus of Battery Module and Discharger" (KR2607356), co-filed by Mintech and Sungil Hi-Tech. The November 2024 decision invalidated claims 1 through 3 and 5 through 9 of the patent, following a cancellation request submitted in May 2024.

The patent, aimed at enhancing efficiency and safety in battery discharge processes, was previously described by the co-owners as enabling the simultaneous connection of multiple battery modules to a discharger. According to Mintech and Sungil Hi-Tech, this innovation allowed for collective discharging of multiple battery modules, significantly reducing time and labor. The technology also offered flexibility by allowing operators to connect a variable number of battery modules as needed.

Moreover, the co-owners highlighted the patent's safety features, such as the ability to detect reverse-connected battery modules prior to operation, thereby preventing accidents. Additionally, the system could display the discharge status of multiple modules, helping operators identify completion times and further optimizing efficiency.

This cancellation marks another high-profile patent dispute in the competitive battery technology sector, emphasizing the scrutiny over innovation claims in rapidly advancing industries.

A figure from the patent titled 'Connection Apparatus of Battery Module and Discharger' (KR2607356), co-owned by Mintech and Sungil Hi-Tech (Source: KIPRIS)

By PatenTrip