On July 17, 2025, Tulip Innovation in a legal dispute in Germany with regard to battery electrode and separator technology obtained another injunction against the Sunwoda group of companies based in China. The decision of the 7th Chamber of the Munich Regional Court complements two Earlier omission orders In Germany, which Tulip was awarded by the court on May 22, 2025 in separate procedures, a third subsequent order against the Sunwoda Group. Tulip is the license broker for a portfolio of over 5,000 patents that are owned by LG Energy Solution and Panasonic Energy and was represented by Hogan Lovells.
The most recent decision resulted from Tulip’s lawsuit against Sunwoda Electronic, Sunwoda Mobility Energy Technology and their German subsidiaries Sunwoda Europe and Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Germany on the basis of the European Patent EP 2 378 595 B1. The oral hearing took place on July 3, 2025. The decision in favor of Tulip made two weeks after the hearing, on July 17, 2025, and granted Tulip the requested dispute against the contested batteries. The proposals from Tulip for further compensation services were also granted, including the obligation of Sunwoda to recall and destroy all of the batteries that are still in direct or indirect possessions, fundamentally provide compensation and to submit detailed accounting information so that Tulip can calculate his claim for damages.
The new injunction underlines the strength and width of the battery patent portfolio licensed by Tulip and confirms that battery manufacturers who use technologies from this portfolio must expect significant legal disputes if they decide to operate without a license.
Giustino de Sanctis, CEO of Tulip, said: “This decision underlines the value of the Tulip program and shows our commitment to fair and competitive market conditions in the battery industry. Tulip is looking forward to talking to all companies that work in the production of lithium-ion batteries about comprehensive licenses for the portfolio.” Andreas von Falck, partner at Hogan Lovells, added: “We are very happy about this confirmation of the strength of Tulip’s patent position by the Munich District Court. In this case, the patent has a maximum term until December 21, 2029. The decision is well justified and we are confident that it will also exist in the appeal.”
The asserted patent refers to the combination of electrodes and a battery parator, an important element for the safety and performance of a car battery. The batteries in question in this case are specific models used in the Dacia Spring, but the patent applies to every battery model that uses the patented technology.
The decision can be enforced immediately with the security deposit, but can be contested by Sunwoda. Sunwoda has submitted a separate legacy for the patent that has not yet been decided.
Tulip is represented in the procedure by a team of Hogan Lovells, the Dr. Andreas von Falck, Dr. Alexander Klicznik, Dr. Roman Würtenberger, Dr. Markus Kuczera, Lea Gröblinghoff, Dr. Michael Plagge and Dr. Yun-Suk Jang belong. Sunwoda is represented by A&O Shearman.
Information on Tulip Innovation
Tulip Innovation Kft. Is an independent company that was founded to build and manage the license program for lithium-ion batteries. Tulip is based in Hungary, the center of European battery preparation. The company has set itself the task of working with companies that use lithium-ion battery technology to ensure that they can access the extensive Tulip IP portfolio for their manufacturing processes. Under the direction of a team of licensing experts with decades of experience, Tulip has a unique combination of strong industry connections and specialist knowledge in the negotiation and management of patent licenses. You can find more information at www.tulipinnovation.com