Toyota Prius getting investigated.
 

Looks like local inventor has gotten USGovt involved in Patent infringement litigation with Toyota:

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It sure would be refreshing if the stupid article would specify the issue. :mad:

...that can't be disclosed until the NEXT issue of their E-zine is written (wink,wink).

It's a dispute over the design of the power split CVT. The Florida company has already had a judgment in their favour against Toyota on this issue.

Here's a more detailed article:

Toyota Hybrids Face Potential U.S. Import Ban on Patent Probe
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=auEdN89spBro

...uh, how does that Olympic competition saying go?: "...may the best lawyer win..."

As a "little guy" who thinks he has a good idea. It bothers me greatly to see some forums (not this one) where the other "little guy" is trashed for fighting for his rights to be compensated for his efforts.

Anyone who has pursued a patent knows it's time consuming and very expensive. It takes years before you ever know if you will be granted rights to your idea.

Even when you get to the point where you finally get the patent (assuming you do) then you have competition from other countries where your rights mean nothing and your time and energy is considered fair game for theft.

I am not saying this is the case, but I always thought that in this country the "little guy" was supposed to get a fair shake when facing an opponent with almost unlimited resources to drive you into financial ruin for daring to realize your dream.

Take the Wright brothers, little formal education, competing with Langley who had a govt subsidy of $75,000 dollars when that was a huge sum of money.

Through dedication, research and good old knuckle headed refusal to fail, the little guy won one.

It would be nice to be able to believe it was still possible.

regards
Mech

Patents need to be applied for in individual countries. If he didn't apply for one in Japan, I don't see much of a grounds for legal action. Of course, if he did, then it is only fair that they buy him out, or redesign.

...not a lawyer, but the gist seems to be "possible US Govt ban on IMPORT of offending vehicles..."

...that'd definitely put a "crimp" in Toyota USA's profits. Wonder if same would apply to USA-made offending vehicles?

Old Tele man -

If it's a USA-made Toyota, I would guess yes. I liken it to a cease and desist order until and/or/if they settle over the cars that have already been sold in the USA.

CarloSW2

International PICT would have been close to 200k and then you might not get a patent if it was not considered novelty.

Large monetary gamble.

I believe the protection from a US patent applies in the US. They can't bring the vehicle to the US if they have not been licensed by the US patent holder.

Once patented in an individual country it may not be possible to patent it in other countries. USPTO issues you a license for International filing when your application is accepted.

regards
Mech