Samsung factories raided on LG's OLED theft claims

Samsung and LG have both relocked in their OLED patent dispute, despite having agreed to resolve their differences two months ago.

On Tuesday, police raided four factories belonging to Samsung Display to secure evidence for LG's theft claims, The Korea Times reported. This follows LG Display's claims that some of its White OLED (W-OLED) technologies were stolen by Samsung and asked police to look into what it calls a corporate espionage case. 

Samsung however, dismissed LG's claims as groundless, saying it had no reason to steal LG's technologies because it already controls the global demand for OLED displays.

Samsung Display CEO Kim Ki-nam denied the allegations. "You should remember that Samsung is the only firm that manufactures and sells OLED panels. We have no reason to steal other companies' technologies. Samsung is always worrying about the possible leakage of our patented technologies," Kim said.

Samsung also accused LG of similar theft but has not asked police to investigate.

LG on the other hand, said in a statement, "We believe police will find evidence that can probe Samsung's misconduct. Samsung stole some of our high-end technologies. That's a pity for Samsung. Samsung brazenly accused us of stealing its OLED technologies. That is hard to understand."

Gary Sohn, public relations chief at LG Display, added the firm will fully cooperate with the police.

This is the latest amid a backdrop of corporate espionage and legal tussles between both South Korean companies. In July last year, 11 Samsung employees were arrested by local prosecutors on grounds they stole and leaked confidential information about OLED technologies to LG.

LG had launched a suit against Samsung  claiming violation of seven OLED patentsin September, while Samsung attempted to nullify the patents citing lack of innovation. In February 2013, both firms agreed to resolve the issues behind closed doors without the need for court and lawyers.