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Toss Bank. (Photo = Toss Bank) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] South Korea’s payment solutions company Korea Information & Communications (KICC) has entered a legal dispute with Toss Place, the merchant payment subsidiary of Viva Republica, over key payment terminal technologies.
KICC filed an injunction seeking to halt the production and sale of Toss Place payment terminals, alleging that the company used its patented technologies without authorization. The dispute centers on two patents related to anti-static card readers and card data encryption devices.
Toss Place has countered by arguing that the technologies are industry-standard and widely used, and has filed a patent invalidation request with the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board, challenging the validity of the patents themselves.
Industry observers say the lawsuit may be a strategic move rather than a simple patent protection effort. One industry official noted that even if KICC loses the case, its core business would remain largely unaffected, while a victory could strengthen its technological credibility.
If KICC wins, however, Toss Place’s payment terminal business could face disruption, potentially forcing the company to suspend sales of affected devices.
Some analysts also view the lawsuit as an attempt by KICC to shift attention away from internal challenges, including governance controversies involving its controlling shareholders and a lack of clear technological strategy as digital payment infrastructure evolves.
AlphaBIZ Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
