LG-SK Battery Lawsuit... US ITC Final Decision Postponed Again to December 10

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has once again postponed the final decision on the trade secret infringement lawsuit between LG Chem and SK Innovation over electric vehicle batteries to December 10.

Originally scheduled for the 5th of this month, the ITC had previously delayed the final decision to the 26th (local time), and on this day announced a further six-week postponement to December 10.

The ITC stated that the decision to delay again was made through a vote by the commission but did not disclose the background or reasons.

The re-postponement was announced around 4 a.m. on the 27th Korean time.

Within the industry, there is an interpretation that the delay reflects the ITC's deliberation over the lawsuit between LG Chem and SK Innovation.

Both LG Chem and SK Innovation are companies that create economic effects through large-scale investments in the U.S., and it is reported that opinions within the U.S. are divided over the confirmation of a loss ruling that would effectively make SK Innovation's U.S. business impossible.

In particular, amid the recent U.S. presidential election, the Trump administration is said not to want a ruling unfavorable to SK Innovation, and if SK loses, there have been media reports suggesting the unusual possibility of a veto being exercised.

While the ITC can postpone rulings, industry sources explain that delaying twice for over two months is unusual.

Because of this, the litigation risk for both companies is expected to be prolonged.

An industry official said, "There is precedent for two postponements, and it seems that COVID-19 has also had an impact."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.