Legal

Legal Summary 2025 saw intense global patenting (driven overwhelmingly by China and Asian industry leaders), steady but strategically important litigation activity and continued safety-driven recalls across EVs and consumer devices. Global Patent Landscape: China dominates filings, with rapid growth from emerging domestic applicants and many China‐only families; Asian companies remain the core engines of battery innovation. Li‐ion keeps its place as the core technology focus worldwide, with strong activity in NMC/LFP cathodes, lithium‐metal, silicon anodes and solid‐state variants. Na‐ion growth has been largely driven by CATL 20%. Recycling patents remain heavily concentrated in Asian portfolios; Zn‐ion activity is emerging, led by Chinese research institutions. Litigation levels remain steady but high‐impact, with more assertive use of enforcement tools. Major actions include between CATL v. CALB, ATL v. CosMx, Tulip LGES/Panasonic) v. Sunwoda, MU Ionic v. CATL/Opel. There has also been a notable increase in trade secrets and trademark disputes across China, the US and Europe. Recall activity highlights ongoing safety vulnerabilities across consumer electronics and EVs. Most recalls 57%) involve consumer products, especially power banks (due to overheating, welding defects, electrolyte leakage). 2529% EV recalls are linked to HV battery failures (including cell defects, water ingress, BMS mis-detection and structural faults). IP competition is intensifying, with crowded patent spaces in Li‐ion, Na‐ion, and solid‐state domains increasing freedom-to-operate risk; robust patent landscaping and defensive filings are more critical than ever. Enforcement remains a real strategic level, especially in China, the US, and Germany. Safety and quality vulnerabilities persist, reinforcing the need for stronger traceability, validation and tighter process control across the supply chain.

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