The core of the case centers on Phanteks' D30 fans, which offer a "cable-free" interconnection method, purportedly encroaching upon patents related to Lian Li's UNI fans, which share a similar connector.

Lian Li has initiated a legal proceeding against Phanteks, alleging patent infringement in connection with fan connectors.  In its lawsuit, Lian Li asserts that Phanteks is infringing on patent US 10,690,336 B1 through its D30 fan product line, as reported by OC3D. Lian Li has held this patent since June 2020, which outlines a technique for linking multiple RGB fans together using a compact connector. This connector is employed in Lian Li's UNI fans, enabling the seamless assembly of multiple fans through a small, cable-free connection. Consequently, as many as four fans can be managed with a single cable connected to the motherboard. The Phanteks D30 series adopts a comparable system, enabling users to daisy chain multiple fans together without requiring additional cables. Lian Li contends that the Dutch manufacturer is in violation of its patents. Consequently, Lian Li is seeking compensation for damages and a prohibition on the sale of the products in question without a valid license.

Lian Li previously communicated its concerns to Phanteks approximately three months ago, but reportedly received no response. The lawsuit was officially filed on September 8, though the timeline for a resolution remains undisclosed.

Phanteks today has released a press release:

Hello Everyone,

In response to articles circulating the community:

We at Phanteks can confirm the filing of the patent infringement suit filed by a fellow PC enthusiast brand. We want to inform the community that our legal team is and has always properly handled any legal issue or communication that has arose.

From the start of the Phanteks D30 fan development, we set out to design an original product that innovates to provide new solutions to PC enthusiasts. We have consulted with patent lawyers during the development and prior to the announcement of the D30 fans and the fans were not found to infringe on the claims in the patent. Phanteks D30 fans are an original idea and have been issued patents in multiple countries to date.

We value and respect valid and enforceable IP rights and are confident that the result of this legal matter will confirm there is no infringement. We will continue our mission to serve the PC community by creating unique and innovative solutions.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Phanteks