BASF Sues Duracell Over Lithium-Ion Battery Trade Secrets

BASF Corporation has initiated legal proceedings against Duracell U.S. Operations Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets related to lithium-ion battery technology. The lawsuit, filed on April 9, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, accuses Duracell of unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information and false representation of BASF's manufacturing processes.

According to the complaint, BASF invested substantial resources over several years to develop a proprietary process for producing high-performance cathode materials, which are crucial components in lithium-ion batteries. The company alleges that during a collaborative agreement, Duracell misappropriated these trade secrets by sharing confidential information with a third party and falsely claiming BASF's manufacturing process as its own. BASF asserts that these actions have caused substantial and irreparable harm, justifying financial damages.

Duracell, known for its consumer batteries, was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2016 for approximately $2.9 billion. As of now, Duracell has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Lithium-ion batteries are integral to a wide range of products, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, appliances, toys, and energy storage systems. The cathode material significantly influences a battery's performance, energy density, and overall efficiency. Advancements in cathode materials are vital for improving battery performance and supporting the transition to electric mobility.

BASF has been actively involved in the development and production of advanced cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries. In July 2021, the company partnered with Porsche's Cellforce Group to develop high-performance lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, providing high-energy HED™ NCM cathode active materials tailored to Porsche's specific needs. In November 2023, BASF and SK On entered into an agreement to evaluate collaboration opportunities in the global lithium-ion battery market, focusing on cathode active materials and targeting the North American and Asia-Pacific markets. Additionally, in September 2023, BASF partnered with Nanotech Energy to produce cathode active materials from recycled metals in Battle Creek, Michigan, aiming to reduce the CO₂ footprint of lithium-ion batteries for the North American market.

The lawsuit underscores the critical importance of intellectual property protection in the rapidly evolving battery technology sector. As companies invest heavily in research and development to gain a competitive edge, safeguarding proprietary information becomes paramount. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for industry collaborations, emphasizing the need for clear agreements and robust confidentiality measures.

This legal action is not the first instance of BASF defending its intellectual property in the battery materials sector. In 2016, BASF, along with Argonne National Laboratory, filed a lawsuit against Belgian materials company Umicore, alleging infringement of patents related to lithium-ion battery components. A U.S. International Trade Commission judge found Umicore liable for indirectly infringing two patents on lithium-ion battery components. The dispute was settled in 2017, allowing Umicore to resume shipments of cathode materials to the U.S. under a licensing agreement.

The current case, titled BASF Corp. v. Duracell U.S. Operations Inc., is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. As the legal proceedings unfold, the industry will be closely watching the implications for intellectual property rights and collaborative agreements in the competitive and fast-paced battery technology market.