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Toyota Prius Named in Patent Infringement Suit

February 10, 2006

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The International Trade Commission has agreed to open an investigation into charges by a small Florida company that Toyota hybrid technology infringes on one of its patents.

Solomon Technologies Inc., of Tarpon Springs, Fla., filed the complaint last month against Toyota Motor Corp.

Solomon provides propulsion systems for marine applications and motors for land vehicles and machinery. The Solomon propulsion system also regenerates electricity, according to a company statement.

The company alleges in a federal lawsuit that hybrid technology in the Toyota Prius and Toyota Highlander gasoline-electric hybrids infringes on a Solomon patent.

"The investigation is an important next step in our continuing prosecution of the infringement by Toyota," Solomon President Peter W. DeVecchis, Jr. said. "As I have noted previously, we believe that the ITC's streamlined administrative process, as well as the technical depth of the ITC staff, will be helpful in expediting and supporting our claims."

According to Solomon's complaint, inventor Jonathan Edwards got a patent in 1991 for a "dual-input, infinite-speed integral motor and transmission device" and assigned the patent to Town Creek Industries Inc.

Town Creek and Toyota held discussions about the patent but never reached an agreement, according to the company. Solomon subsequently acquired Town Creek and claims to now own the patent for the "dual input, infinite speed integral motor."

An administrative law judge will hold a hearing on the claim and issue a determination which is subject to ITC review.

The trade commission has authority to block imports of products that the commission finds infringe on U.S. patents. Toyota could be prohibited from importing the hybrid system into the U.S. which include drive systems for the Prius and Highlander models.

Toyota had no comment.

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