Edith Hejberg
At the heart of the dispute is Whirlpool’s technology for low-profile microwave and hood combination units (LP-MHCs).
Whirlpool has filed a major complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), accusing several international competitors of copying its patented microwave technology. The company seeks to block imports and sales of certain microwave models in the United States.
The core issue: patented low-profile microwave tech
At the heart of the dispute is Whirlpool’s technology for low-profile microwave and hood combination units (LP-MHCs). These appliances combine cooking and ventilation in a compact design, aimed at saving space in modern kitchens.
Who Whirlpool is targeting
The complaint names four major players: South Korea’s Samsung and LG, and China’s Midea and Haier. Whirlpool alleges that all four companies have infringed on five of its key patents relating to LP-MHC products.
Whirlpool defends its innovation
In a strong public statement, Whirlpool said it “will not hesitate to defend its innovation and intellectual property when a competitor steals a patented design.” The company sees this move as essential to protect years of R&D investment.
Why LP-MHCs matter
Whirlpool claims to have pioneered the LP-MHC category in the U.S. The units offer a slimmer, more flexible alternative to standard over-the-range microwaves, and have become a significant product line for the company.
Accused companies silent so far
At the time of filing, none of the accused companies, Samsung, LG, Midea, or GE Appliances (owned by Haier), had issued public responses. Reuters noted that requests for comment went unanswered.
Legal action in multiple venues
In addition to the ITC complaint, Whirlpool has filed lawsuits in federal courts in Texas and New Jersey. These suits seek monetary damages for the alleged infringement and represent a multi-pronged legal strategy.
Seeking an import ban
Whirlpool’s ITC complaint is particularly aggressive. It asks the agency to impose an exclusion order that would block imports of the infringing microwave models from entering the U.S. market entirely.
Benton Harbor company goes on the offensive
Based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Whirlpool is one of the largest home appliance makers in the U.S. This legal action signals a broader push to protect its territory against international competitors.
Claiming first-mover status
According to the ITC filing, Whirlpool was the sole supplier of LP-MHC units in the U.S. before the accused companies began selling their own. The company argues it’s not just defending patents, it’s defending a category it created.
The role of the ITC
The U.S. International Trade Commission has the authority to investigate and potentially bar imports that violate American intellectual property rights. If it sides with Whirlpool, it could deliver a serious blow to the accused manufacturers.
Implications for global appliance makers
The case could have wider repercussions for the appliance industry. A successful ruling in Whirlpool’s favor might signal stricter enforcement of design patents and discourage copycat innovations in global markets.
What happens next?
The ITC will review the complaint and decide whether to launch a formal investigation. Meanwhile, the federal lawsuits will proceed in parallel, setting the stage for a prolonged legal showdown over kitchen tech.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, who may have used AI in the preparation
