Summary
The Hybrid Drive Wars have begun. Toyota, the global leader in hybrid technology and issued patents faces a litigation minded, technology development company led by experienced automotive professionals.
Analysis
Paice LLC, an automotive hybrid electric power power train technology corporation is not shy about protecting its intellectual property. They have challenged Toyota and won some concessions in the past and have filed a new infringement law case.
Legal challenges are filed against major corporations on a regular basis, but this is not an average case. Paice is led by a team of experienced automotive professionals, including the past CEO of Robert Bosch Corporation, the US subsidiary of the global corporation. Additionally, the Board and Senior Management Team are seasoned professionals, many from large corporations and major automotive suppliers.
Additionally, the focus of Paice is to develop and license Intellectual Property. The company has received a series of Patents starting in 1994. Their IP is well conceived and drafted. They appear to be well represented.
The business of Hybrid Drive is both broad and deep from a technology perspective. One "key" Patent can effectively block a company from fully owning the full band with or "freedom to operate" as it is know.
Paice believes that it is in this position and is challenging Toyota.
Will this stop Toyota from producing and selling hybrid vehicles? The short answer is no, these things take a lot of time and money to be resolved.
Will Toyota settle this potential infringement? Potentially, as Toyota is the world leader in hybrid related IP and continues to file at a rapid rate.
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
