Jury Finds Whirlpool Falsely Advertises Clothes Dryer

CHICAGO, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A federal court jury today found that Whirlpool Corporation violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which prohibits false advertising, by marketing "Steam Dryer" models that use a cold water spray instead of a steam generator.

The court will now determine the scope of an injunction prohibiting Whirlpool from continuing to market its misting dryers as "Steam Dryers."

In the cased filed on Jan. 10, 2008, LG Electronics alleged that Whirlpool made false statements in marketing its Duet and Cabrio Steam Dryers, as well as the Maytag brand Bravo Steam Dryer manufactured by Whirlpool, because these products do not produce or use steam.  Instead, they spray water from a cold water source into a heated drum, which tumble dries the wet clothes in the same manner as conventional dryers. Whirlpool claimed that evaporation from the heated clothes is steam, but the jury rejected that defense, finding that Whirlpool violated the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

With Judge Amy St. Eve presiding, the eight-woman, one-man jury made its determination of facts in the case upon deliberating for one day, after hearing from more than 19 witnesses during the 11-day trial.

"Today's verdict reaffirms LG's commitment to develop and produce the most technologically innovative laundry machines on the market," said James Shad, president of LG Electronics USA.

The case centered on the obvious differences between LG's Steam Dryer and Whirlpool's Duet Steam Dryer.  LG's Steam Dryer uses a steam generator outside of the drum of the dryer to boil water and inject hot steam into the dryer during its steam cycles.  This technology allows LG to use the natural power of hot steam to refresh gently used clothing, removing odors, smoothing out wrinkles and even reducing allergens.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 80,000 people working in over 115 operations around the world. With 2009 global sales of 55.5 trillion Korean Won (43.4 billion US Dollars), LG comprises of five business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines.

SOURCE LG Electronics, Inc.