高工锂电·2025-07-03 12:17Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a significant legal dispute in the lithium battery materials industry, where Tianqi Materials has filed a lawsuit against competitors for alleged trade secret infringement, seeking compensation of 887 million yuan [1][2] - The lawsuit reflects a broader trend of chaotic competition in the lithium battery materials sector, which has seen a structural shift following years of rapid growth [2] - The average operating rate in the electrolyte industry has dropped below 50% during the overcapacity period in 2024, with some companies operating at rates lower than 30%, leading to significant inventory buildup and declining prices [2] Group 2 - Tianqi Materials has established a professional legal team to protect its technology patents and intends to strengthen its efforts in safeguarding intellectual property rights, aiming to break the cycle of "stealing technology" within the industry [3] - A previous legal victory for Tianqi Materials involved the conviction of an employee for leaking trade secrets, resulting in prison sentences and fines for the offenders, indicating the company's commitment to enforcing its intellectual property rights [3] - If Tianqi Materials wins the current lawsuit, it may serve as a clear warning to companies that rely on imitation for expansion, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property as a genuine competitive advantage [3]