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Patent Claim Could Block Import of Toyota's Hybrid Cars

Posted by timothy on from the advancing-the-useful-arts-and-sciences dept.

JynxMe writes "Paice is a tiny Florida company that has patented a way to apply force to a car's wheels from an electric motor or internal combustion engine. Paice thinks that Toyota is infringing on its technology, and is going after the automaker in court. The legal spat became much more serious for Toyota this week, when the US International Trade Commission decided to investigate the matter. In the worst-case scenario for Toyota, the commission could ban the hybrid Camry, third-generation Prius, Lexus HS250h sedan and Lexus RX450h SUV."

2 of 451 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Silly patents, tricks are for kids... by Sponge+Bath · · Score: 1, Troll

    So what, they patented the transmission? CV joints? Axles?

    Paice LLC Lawyer: Umm... Sure, why not?

  2. Re:That's bright! by PalmKiller · · Score: 1, Troll

    This is where the president outta step in and stop the stifling of the hybrid market by null and voiding any such patents, it would be much better than cash for clunkers...and not cost us a dime. The car companies in the US and Japan could then stop suing each other and get down to designing the best hybrids, unhindered by crap like this from other car manufacturers and individuals.