Johnson Controls Sues LG Electronics Over an Air-Cooled Chiller Patent.

Johnson Controls Building Solutions, LLC and Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings, LLP filed Johnson Controls Building Solutions, LLC v. LG Electronics, Inc., No. 2:26-cv-01019 (E.D. Tex.), on November 9, 2026. The case is in the Marshall Division. The caption demands a jury trial. A summons issued on November 10, 2026.

The parties

The complaint says Johnson Controls Building Solutions, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company and Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings, LLP is a Wisconsin limited liability partnership, and that both have offices in Glendale, Wisconsin. It alleges, on information and belief, that LG Electronics, Inc. is a corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Korea with a principal place of business in Seoul, and that LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. is a Delaware corporation with a principal place of business in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

The complaint says Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings, LLP holds title to U.S. Patent 9,869,487, and that Johnson Controls Building Solutions, LLC is the exclusive licensee, including the exclusive right to bring suit for past, present, and future infringement.

The patent and claims 1 and 2

U.S. Patent 9,869,487, "Heat exchanger having stacked coil sections," issued January 16, 2018, from application No. 13/025,907, filed February 11, 2011. The complaint says the patent claims priority to a provisional application filed February 8, 2010. The complaint alleges infringement of at least claims 1 and 2, and it says the allegations are not limited to those claims.

Claim 1 covers a vapor compression system with two refrigerant circuits. The first circuit circulates a first refrigerant and has a first compressor, a first condenser, and a first evaporator in fluid communication. The second circuit circulates a second refrigerant and has a second compressor, a second condenser, and a second evaporator in fluid communication. The two evaporators are configured and positioned to exchange heat from a single process fluid. At least one air moving device circulates air through the first condenser and then the second condenser. Each condenser has a plurality of sections. Each section of the first condenser is positioned next to, and substantially parallel to, a corresponding section of the second condenser, and is thermally separate from that corresponding section. The condensing temperature of the first refrigerant in the first condenser is less than the condensing temperature of the second refrigerant in the second condenser.

Claim 2 covers the system of claim 1 in which the sections of the first condenser and the sections of the second condenser use common structural components and are assembled as part of a packaged unit.

The chillers

The complaint says Johnson Controls Building Solutions, LLC launched the YDAM Air-Cooled Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller, which delivers up to 3.5MW of cooling, that Johnson Controls develops its chiller line through its YORK brand, and that the YDAM embodies the '487 patent.

The complaint alleges that LG announced an air-cooled magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller, which the complaint calls the LG Chiller, and model variations listed in LG's 2026 catalogue. It alleges that on October 5, 2026, LG issued a press release describing a supply agreement between LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. and a third-party company to supply chillers designed for AI data centers to data centers in the United States. It alleges, on information and belief, that LG intends to sell the accused chillers to customers across the United States, including in Texas, through sales to at least that company and a second third-party company.

The complaint alleges that LG reported first-half orders for data center cooling solutions exceeded $428 million. It alleges, on information and belief, that LG's sales of the accused products have exceeded $428 million, with a 2027 revenue target of $680 million.

The count, venue, and the relief requested

Count I is infringement of U.S. Patent 9,869,487. The complaint alleges direct infringement under 35 U.S.C. 271(a), induced infringement under 35 U.S.C. 271(b), and contributory infringement under 35 U.S.C. 271(c). It alleges that infringement is willful at least as of the complaint, which the complaint says gave LG actual notice of the patent and of the alleged infringement.

On venue, the complaint says LG Electronics, Inc. does not reside in the United States and may be sued in any judicial district under 28 U.S.C. 1391(c)(3). It says venue is proper as to LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. under 28 U.S.C. 1400(b) and 1391(b) and (c) because that company maintains regular and established places of business in the district. It alleges, on information and belief, that those are two properties in Fort Worth, Texas.

The prayer asks for a judgment of infringement and that the infringement is willful; damages under 35 U.S.C. 284 of not less than a reasonable royalty and/or lost profits, with interest, costs, and enhanced damages; ongoing royalties for infringement after judgment; a declaration that the case is exceptional and an award of fees under 35 U.S.C. 285; preliminary and permanent injunctive relief; and other relief the court deems just.

What to watch next

Watch for service of the November 10 summons, for LG's response, and for any motion for a preliminary injunction. The prayer asks for preliminary injunctive relief.