EPO published TRUMPF's patent EP4359163A1 for a media-tight welding method targeting aluminum-containing battery components. The patent (IPC: B23K26, H01M50) covers laser welding processes to create sealed joints suitable for containing electrolytes or other media within battery housings. Designated states include all EPC contracting states (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, TR).\n\nPatent publications are informational notices with no immediate compliance obligations. Competitors developing similar welding processes for aluminum battery components should review the claims for potential infringement exposure. Third parties have a standard 9-month opposition period following A1 publication to file observations at the EPO.