Lian Li are suing Phanteks in patent infringement case
Phanteks may have some explaining to do
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Lian Li and Phanteks are two big names in the world of PC components, especially when it comes to PC cases, fans, and other similar accessories. News has just broke that Lian Li are suing Phanteks due to an infringement of one of their patented designs.
As for the lawsuit, this is related to Lian Li’s patented case fan daisy-chaining design – and they say that Phanteks are infringing upon it with their new D30 series fans. These rival companies deal within very similar markets, though it would appear that Phanteks have just about stepped over the line. However, Phanteks have actually commented on the matter since news first broke, stating that they’re ‘confident that the result of this legal matter will confirm there is no infringement’.
Lian Li have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Phanteks
If you’re wondering about the exact patent, you’re not alone. In this case, it is the ‘Illumination fan connectable with at least one illumination fan for a computer’ patent which can be found listed online here. This patent is dated June 23, 2020 and relates to daisy-chained RGB fans, in case the legal-like patent wording causes some confusion.
The case itself is detailed on Justia as well, which pits Lian Li vs Phanteks Europe. It was filed on September 8 and clearly states patent infringement as the cause of action. It also lists Axpertec Inc. as a defendant in the case. They’re a supplier of spare parts for Phanteks within Europe so are closely related to the case.
Will Phanteks have to stop selling D30 series fans?
It was reported that Phanteks received a letter from Lian Li back in May 2023 about the alleged infringement issue, though that didn’t quite stop Phanteks from continuing to sell their D30 series fans. Clearly Lian Li have no option over than to raise the issue further. There’s no doubt that there are similarities, such as the new Glacier One 360D30 case fans featuring RGB lighting and ‘fan linking system’, as Phanteks describe it.
We’re no experts on the legal side of things, so we’re not sure if D30 series case fans will be pulled from the market, but they remain there for the time being. We’ll have to wait and see how this lawsuit pans out going forward.
