The violation focuses on thermoplastic covers for various engine components.
While a single company might commit a patent violation, a new investigation to that end involves a handful of companies in the auto industry.
The US International Trade Commission, which helps oversee intellectual property infringement cases, 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.
If the companies under investigation are found at fault, Intellectual Ventures II could find itself on a receiving end of a very fat check.
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.
