US Probing BMW, Honda, Toyota, Others for Alleged Patent Violations

2017/05/02

The US International Trade Commission has opened an investigation against a number of automakers and suppliers over an alleged patent violation. The investigation began after Intellectual Ventures II, a patent holding firm, filed a complaint with the USITC.
The complaint alleges that various automakers and suppliers--including Honda,Toyota, BMW, Aisin and Denso--utilize thermoplastic components that violate Intellectual Ventures II's patent. The parts are used in a variety of modern vehicles sold in the US, and can be found in a number of parts, including water pumps and power-steering units. While a complaint has been filed, it hasn't been determined whether it actually carries weight. The USITC will assign the case to a judge, who will hold an evidentiary hearing to determine whether or not to proceed further. The USITC has 45 days to set a target date for the estimated completion of this investigation.

Source: www.cnet.com