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KOLON Industries headquarters. (Photo: KOLON Industries) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, South Korea – June 12, 2025 — South Korea’s Patent Court has ruled to invalidate a key patent held by KOLON Industries related to hybrid tire cord (HTC) technology, overturning an earlier decision by the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB). The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by HS Hysung Advanced Materials, which argued that the patent lacked novelty and inventive step.
The patent in question, registered by KOLON Industries in 2015, involves a method for producing tire reinforcement materials using a hybrid structure of aramid and nylon fibers. KOLON had claimed exclusive rights to the technology and positioned it as a competitive advantage in the high-performance tire market.
However, HS Hysung contended that the technology was already widely known within the industry and did not meet the criteria for patentability. Although the IPTAB sided with KOLON in March 2024, upholding the patent’s validity, the Patent Court’s Appellate Division 5 has now reversed that decision.
The ruling is expected to reshape competition in the growing market for high-strength, lightweight tire reinforcements, particularly as demand rises for electric vehicle (EV)-specific tires, where HTC materials are increasingly seen as strategically critical.
Legal analysts note that the decision may open the door for broader industry adoption of similar hybrid reinforcement technologies, potentially impacting KOLON’s market positioning and licensing strategy.
KOLON Industries has not yet issued an official statement regarding whether it will appeal the court’s decision to the Supreme Court.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
