We derive a linear matrix inequality(LMI) condition guaranteeing that any invariant zeros of a triple (A, B, C) lie in the open left half plane of the complex plane, i.e. $C(sI-A)^{-1}B$ is minimum phase. The LMI condition is equivalent to a certain constrained Lyapunov matrix equation which can be found in many results relating to stability analysis or control design. We show that the LMI condition can be used to simplify various control engineering problems such as a dynamic output feedback control problem, a variable structure static output feedback control problem, and a nonlinear system observer design problem. Finally, we give some numerical examples.