The EPO published patent application EP3978439A1 for Sumitomo Metal Mining covering lithium-ion battery positive electrode active material and production methods. The patent application lists three inventors (KANEDA Haruki, KOSHIKA Yuki, ANDO Takaaki) and received an A1 publication kind indicating it includes the search report. IPC classifications include C01G 25/00 (zirconium compounds), C01G 53/00 (nickel compounds), H01M 4/505 (intercalation electrodes), and H01M 4/525 (layered electrodes).

Battery material manufacturers and lithium-ion battery producers should review this patent to assess potential licensing requirements or freedom-to-operate implications for their own product development. The patent designation covers all 38 EPO contracting states including major European markets. No immediate compliance actions are required as patent publications do not impose regulatory obligations.