Patent Claim Could Block Import of Toyota's Hybrid Cars

[Krootie]

Toyota Hybrids Face Potential U.S. Import Ban on Patent Probe - Bloomberg.com

"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 - Slashdot.com

[jetfuel]

...they got $$$$$ in 2005...
...can you guess what they're after now?

jetfuel....this one is for the luggage prize...

[BigWarpGuy]

The patent seems rather vague and it seems it could apply to most vehicles? IMO; they are a patent troll and should lose the lawsuit.

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

...they got $$$$$ in 2005...
...can you guess what they're after now?

They're after additional royalties related to the new models that Toyota is selling which Paice feels utilise the same technology as those for which Paice was originally awarded royalty payments in 2005. Without knowing precisely how similar or different the new components are, and considering that the original suit was won and upheld on appeal, I wouldn't discount Paice's complaint as unreasonable.