LG Electronics Signs Robot Vacuum Patent Use Agreement with German Miele... Covers Three Proprietary Technologies

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] LG Electronics announced on the 1st that it has signed a robot vacuum cleaner patent license agreement with Germany's Miele.

Under this agreement, Miele will be able to produce and sell robot vacuum cleaners using LG Electronics' patented robot vacuum cleaner technology. The agreement covers three proprietary technologies adopted by LG Electronics for robot vacuum cleaners, including the 'charging induction guide.'

The charging induction guide is a technology that allows the robot vacuum cleaner to accurately return to the charging dock to wait until the next cleaning after finishing cleaning.

Most robot vacuum cleaners return to the charging dock by following infrared induction signals. LG Electronics' patent uses a partition structure to block infrared rays going in other directions, allowing the infrared rays to extend straight in a line. Robot vacuum cleaners equipped with this technology can detect the infrared signal extending in a straight line and accurately reach the charging dock.

In addition to the charging induction guide, LG Electronics has also allowed Miele to use patents such as the 'structure for detecting the attachment of a filter combined with the dustbin' and the 'combination structure of the lower brush.' LG Electronics holds over 700 registered patents globally related to robot vacuum cleaners.

Previously, in June last year, LG Electronics signed a patent license agreement with GE Appliances related to door ice making, a core patent of the premium refrigerator with an ice water purifier.

Jeon Saenggyu, Vice President and Head of LG Electronics' Patent Center, said, "LG Electronics is actively securing intellectual property rights, which are the driving force leading the global home appliance market," adding, "With this license agreement with Miele, LG Electronics has been recognized for its advanced patent competitiveness in the home appliance sector in Europe following the United States."