Filed under: Etc., Hybrid, Toyota, Legislation and Policy, USA
Solomon Technologies completes Toyota hybrid patent appeal arguments
Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the 2007 Toyota Prius Touring.
All the way back in September of 2005, Solomon Technologies sued Toyota for allegedly infringing on a patent related to hybrid powertrains. Shortly thereafter, Solomon attempted to get the importation of the Prius and Highlander hybrid vehicles to the U.S. halted. The International Trade Commission ruled in Toyota's favor, leading to an appeal by Solomon. Their first lawsuit has been stayed awaiting the resolution of the ITC case. The latest page of this saga has Solomon completing their arguments to a three-judge panel in Washington appeals court. Of course, we have no idea how all of this will pan out, but we don't imagine that it's anywhere near over if the past is any indication.
Press Release:
Solomon Completes Toyota Patent Appeal Arguments
DANBURY, Conn., April 14, 2008 - Solomon Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:SOLM), today announced the completion of arguments in its appeal of the decision by the International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging patent infringement by Toyota Motor Corporation and certain of its affiliates. Solomon's arguments were heard by a three judge panel of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) in Washington DC. The CAFC is the primary court in the United States that hears appeals of patent cases from the lower district courts and from the ITC.
Solomon's briefs in the case are available for review at www.solomontechnologies.com
Peter W. DeVecchis, President of Solomon commented, "We are pleased and encouraged with the arguments presented to the CAFC and believe that the critical issues of claim construction will decide this case. While we cannot predict the outcome, we believe our brief and presentation directed the Court to the clear language of claim 7 in our '932 patent." Mr. DeVecchis added that a decision is expected later in 2008.
As previously announced, Solomon brought suit against Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, on September 12, 2005, claiming infringement of Solomon's U.S. Patent Number 5,067,932, primarily relating to Toyota's use of the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology in its Prius and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. On January 11, 2006, Solomon filed an additional complaint against Toyota with the ITC seeking to exclude importation of the infringing technology. The action against Toyota and its affiliates in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, has been stayed pending resolution of the ITC action.
[Source: Solomon Technologies]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kevin Nugent 7:39PM (4/16/2008)
Why are they trying to sue NOW when toyota is making big bucks why didn't they try and settle this earlier when there was an unknown ? IN my opinion they are just out to get money and i hop Toyota keep on winning and wins the appeal .
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Chris M 12:27AM (4/17/2008)
Solomon Technologies is operating as a "patent mill", filing vague patents on promising technology, waiting till someone else does all the hard development work, then stepping in and demanding royalties or charging patent infringement and suing for as much as they can get. In this case, they started soon after the "partnership for next generation vehicles" announced work on high milage hybrids. Solomon didn't actually plann to manufacture or sell any hybrids or electric cars, just sue those who did.
Toyota called their bluff, and Solomon keeps getting shot down in court.
BTW, Solomon Tech also has a vaguely worded patents on "wheel motors", so any manufacturer that is successful with a wheelmotor electric car will no doubt hear from Solomon Tech legal staff - which is darn near the entire company!
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Woodenbee 5:57PM (5/14/2008)
Oh thanks Chris M for your comments I knew I wasn't crazy, Thats exactly what it looks like to me too, some guy tried to defend them when I commented on that
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