Lian Li Files Lawsuit Against Phanteks for Alleged Patent Infringement

In a noteworthy legal development within the tech industry, Lian Li, manufacturer of PC cases and cooling solutions, has initiated legal proceedings against its competitor, Phanteks. The lawsuit, filed in the United States, alleges patent infringement related to Phanteks’ recently released D30 series fans.

The dispute can be traced back to May 2023 when Lian Li first communicated its concerns to Phanteks regarding the alleged infringement of their patents. Despite these warnings, Phanteks continued to market and sell their D30 series fans, a move perceived by Lian Li as a deliberate violation of their intellectual property rights. The specific patent in question is US 10,690,336 B1, which Lian Li secured in June 2020.

Lian Li’s patent revolves around its proprietary daisy-chain RGB fan technology, a feature that Phanteks is claimed to have incorporated into their new D30 series RGB fans. While visual similarities are evident, the determination of patent infringement necessitates a legal assessment, a matter that the impending lawsuit aims to address.

The lawsuit, officially filed by Lian Li on September 8th, is currently pending in the central district of California. Lian Li’s legal action seeks several outcomes, including a verdict affirming Phanteks’ infringement of their patent, a permanent injunction prohibiting Phanteks and its subsidiaries from selling affected products without an authorized license, and compensation for damages incurred.

In the event of Lian Li’s victory, Phanteks may be required to obtain a license from Lian Li to continue marketing their D30 series fans. Furthermore, this lawsuit could potentially set a precedent, prompting further legal actions against companies similarly accused of infringing on this patent. It may also incentivize Lian Li’s competitors to pursue licensing agreements if they intend to offer daisy-chainable RGB PC fans.

As this lawsuit is in its early stages, it is expected to undergo a protracted legal process before a resolution is reached, either through court proceedings or potential out-of-court settlements. Lian Li’s primary objective is to safeguard its patented technologies; however, the ultimate outcome of this legal dispute remains uncertain.