LG Electronics Plans to Appeal Today's Ruling in Its False Advertising Case Against Whirlpool

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May 09, 2011, 07:08 ET

CHICAGO, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics plans to appeal a court decision today in which an Illinois District federal judge declined to issue an injunction against Whirlpool Corporation for its violation of an Illinois false advertising statue.

On Oct. 20, 2010, a federal jury found Whirlpool in violation of the Illinois Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act for advertising of its cold-water spray dryers that Whirlpool calls "steam" dryers. Whirlpool continues to be the defendant of an ongoing class action lawsuit in California on the same topic.

LG Electronics filed the complaint in Federal Court in January 2008 alleging that Whirlpool violated false advertising laws because its Duet, Cabrio and Maytag Bravo "steam" dryers do not produce or use steam. LG's Steam Dryers use a steam generator outside of the drum 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, remove odors, smooth out wrinkles and even reduce allergens.

Whirlpool's products do not have steam generators. Instead, Whirlpool's "steam" dryers spray water from a cold water source into the drum, which tumble dries the wet clothes in the same manner as conventional dryers.

In a statement, the company said, "LG Electronics believes that Whirlpool should not be allowed to continue practices that the federal jury determined to be in violation of law. Consumers are being misled by Whirlpool's deceptive marketing of a cold water spray as steam. On behalf of consumers, LG will continue to challenge Whirlpool's deceptive activities and review all options, including an appeal."

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 USA