South Korea's two biggest tech brands have agreed to end all existing legal disputes, including a fight over an LG exec who deliberately damaged Samsung washing machines.
According to reports, the companies this week signed an agreement, which covers a September scuffle over $2,700 Samsung washing machines that were damaged during an industry trade show in Berlin, as well as a battle over display technology.
In 2012, six LG Display employees were charged with stealing Samsung Mobile Display technology; Samsung later sued LG Display for patent infringement regarding mobile OLED technology.
But the industry giants are now focused on improving the quality of their products and customer service, The Wall Street Journal reported. They want to address disagreements "through dialogue and cooperation, instead of resorting to legal action."
The companies also cited South Korea's "difficult economic situation" and competition from Chinese rivals, the Journal said.
"Both sides have agreed to avoid legal action and resolve any future conflicts or disputes through dialogue and mutual agreement," the companies said in a joint statement published by Reuters.
An LG Electronics spokesman confirmed the deal in an email to PCMag, but declined to comment further; Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Recommended by Our Editors
Don't hold your breath for long-term friendship, though: As the Journal pointed out, LG and Samsung agreed to end all courtroom battles over display technology in September 2013. But they began bickering again almost immediately, and in February, Samsung employees were indicted on charges of stealing organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel technology from LG.
The new agreement, according to Reuters, extends to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and LG Electronics Inc. subsidiaries, including their separate Display firms.
Editor's Note: This story was updated on April 1 with a response from LG Electronics.
Get Our Best Stories!
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
