NEW YORK (AP) -- South Korea-based LG Electronics Inc., which makes cell phones and household appliances, said Monday a federal appeals court has ruled in its favor in a patent dispute with appliance maker Whirlpool Corp.
LG Electronics said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a district court decision in a case involving two Whirlpool clothes washer patents.
Whirlpool initially filed the action against LG in Michigan after an impeller-type washing machine designed and produced by LG was introduced in the U.S. market. Whirlpool sought damages and an order stopping LG from selling the washer.
The circuit court confirmed the right to market the LG machine in the U.S., LG said.
LG added the appeals court decision marks the end to five years of litigation with Whirlpool on washing machine technology.
"Naturally, we're disappointed in the outcome and we're reviewing our options," said Whirlpool spokeswoman Jill Saletta.
Whirlpool shares added 65 cents to $49.81 in morning trading.