You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
PriusGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota Prius.
This is a discussion thread titled "Patent infringement investigation - Toyota Hybrids", within the Prius forum, part of the Cars & Vans Forums category.
Patent infringement investigation - Toyota Hybrids
On the news Friday. It will be interesting to see if it has any merit:
Friday February 10, 5:50 AM EST
TOKYO (Reuters) - A U.S. trade body is to investigate a complaint that Toyota Motor Corp.'s popular Prius and Highlander hybrid models infringed a patent, according to the body's website.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will look at a claim that the patent is owned by Florida-based Solomon Technologies Inc., it said.
Solomon Technologies filed a complaint with the panel last month saying the hybrid transmission in the two popular vehicles infringed its patent related to motor and transmission systems.
If the ITC agrees with Solomon, Japan's top auto maker could be banned from importing the systems and the Prius and Highlander hybrid models that they power. The ITC said opening a case does not mean it has made any decision on the merits.
A Toyota spokesman said it cannot comment on ongoing cases.
In September, Solomon applied to a Florida federal district court for an injunction against Toyota barring infringement and damages for unauthorized use of its patented technologies.
Toyota sold 110,000 Prius models and 18,800 Highlander hybrid SUVs in North America last year.
__________________ 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited (former ride - 05 Tundra Limited Double Cab, 4x4, TRD Pkg, Trailer Tow, Auto Dimming mirror, Factory Bed Liner, Running Boards, Bug Deflector, Sun roof):
[ Click Here to see my pictures.
Wife's Car :05 Prius - White, Option package 6, Glass Break Sensor, Mods: Auto door lock, Molded mud flaps, Cargo Net. Not much more you can get on it.
Oh by the way, "Batteries are included" with the Prius & Highlander Hybrids
Like what you see and read on this site? If so, please consider supporting this site and help keeping it going by becoming a Subscribing member. You'll gain total access to all the Knowledge Base Tech Forums, fun & information and help keep this site on-line... Remember nothing good comes FREE Join The Club Today!
Re: Patent infringement investigation - Toyota Hybrids
Wow, that bites. I doubt a Japanese developed system would risk patent infringment. Even though Toyota is a business oriented company, naturally, they abide by strict honor an ethics in their business dealings. It is dishonorable to steal another company's technology.
But, to reverse engineer and re-implement it is another story. I have a strong feeling this case or "complaint" holds no merrit.
__________________
"Brawn" 2007 Honda Ridgeline RTS
Aberdeen Green Metallic
----------
Took ownership on 03/10/07
Re: Patent infringement investigation - Toyota Hybrids
This also happened a few years ago and toyota settled out of court with the people.
The same thing will probably happen again.
You still see priuses/highlanders and soon camry's, and eventually every vehicle toyota has will have a hybrid option.
Toyota will win even if it costs them some money, it's not like they're not making any.........
Remember who's lawyers are bigger
__________________ 2002 TUNDRA AC 2WD = NOT STOCK
MODS: TRD LSD w/4.88's| TRD Headers | Flowmaster 50 Series SUV | TRD Supercharger | Hellwig Rear Sway Bar (custom end links) | TOYOTA Power Antenna | Rear "AIR RIDE" w/ on board compressor | De-badged | Raybrig Headlights & Nokya yellow Foglights | Keyless Upgrade to Full Alarm | Toyota Air Filter | Horn Mod | Map Light Mod | Back Seat Mod | STUBBS Sliders | AXIS Wheels w/315/75-16 Yokohama Geolander MT + | Home Link | SUPERLIFT Tru-speed-speedo Recalibrator | McKesh Mirrors l 3" Body Lift w/Poly Body Mounts l Gap Gaurds l Stainless Brake Lines l Poly Sway Bar Bushings l Poly Rear Leaf Spring Bushings l Clear/Red/Clear Tailights l Black Corners & Headlight Assy's l Diff breather Mod l Nu-Image Blue Flame Gauges l Eclipse AVN5435 w/ Rev Cam & 8 disk changer l Custom rear roll pan w/lights l RCD 6" lift w/ 3" blocks and AAL l Camburg UCA's l High Lift Jack l Daystar Front & Rear Bumpers l 4 Hella Black Magic Lights l Budbuilt Trac Bar l ICOM 706 MKIIG l Doran tire pressure sensors
23 yrs with TOYOTA
MDT/Shop Foreman/FINDLAY TOYOTA
ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician
Official Pro Comp Certified Installer & Dealer
Official ICON Certified Installer & Dealer
Certified Toyota Forklift Operator
Certified Locksmith
Ham Radio Operator = KE7WLF
Re: Patent infringement investigation - Toyota Hybrids
Thats very odd that they wait, what 6 years before they found something they had a patent on, in the Prius.
Bob
__________________
2009 Corolla XRS. My Car
2009 Camry Hybrid, Wife's :
2008 Harley Davidson Screaming Eagle Road King-My Bike
2005 Harley Davidson Deluxe-Wife's Bike
1998 Honda Accord EX (Daughters, but I bought it)
TundraSolutions.com is a registered trademark of Tundra Solutions, Inc.
Other trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the TundraSolutions.com User Agreement and Privacy Policy.