LG Elec says some Whirlpool patent suits dropped

SEOUL, June 15 (Reuters) - A U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) judge has ruled to terminate part of Whirlpool Corp's (WHR.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) patent case against LG Electronics Inc's (066570.KS: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) freezer features, LG said on Sunday.

The ruling came after Whirlpool asked the ITC to end the case against LG over two patents, LG said in a statement. Three other Whirlpool patent suits remain pending at the ITC.

Whirlpool, the world's top appliance maker, in January filed a patent infringement suit with the ITC against LG refrigerators sold in the United States, saying several LG models infringe five Whirlpool patents.

LG has denied the charge and filed in April two patent lawsuits against Whirlpool in the Federal District Courts.

Whirlpool also has asked the U.S. District Court of Delaware, where it previously filed suits regarding seven patents, to dismiss proceedings involving one of those patents, LG said.

The two companies have been in intensified competition in North America, Whirlpool's home market, as LG steps up its push into the premium segment in refrigerators and washing machines. (Reporting by Rhee So-eui; Editing by Kim Coghill)