(Yicai Global) Nov. 17 -- Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai [SHE:000651] has taken legal action against Ningbo-based AUX Group regarding eight air-conditioner models that it says infringes on Gree-held patents, claiming CNY40 million (USD6.0 million) in compensation, Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court began hearings on the case yesterday, with the defendant AUX arguing that Gree's patent had been declared partially invalid by a patent reexamination committee.

AUX called for the case's dismissal or suspension based on the unstable state of the patent. The firm also said that the targeted product models were not within the protective scope of the plaintiff's patent, and therefore do not constitute infringement.

The focus of the case relates to whether the products' technical plans are within the patent's protective scope, a collegial panel said.

The court has brought in a technical investigation officer to participate in the trial because the case relates to technical disputes, and will decide on the case later.