U.S. to Probe Japan Firms over Auto Parts Patent Abuse

Washington, April 28 (Jiji Press)--The U.S. International Trade Commission said Friday it will investigate Toyota Motor Corp. 7203, Honda Motor Co. 7267 and others over alleged infringement of patents for automotive electric motors and motor parts. A total of 25 companies are subject to the investigation, also including Japanese auto parts makers Denso Corp. 6902 and Aisin Seiki Co. 7259 as well as Germany's BMW AG. If patent violation is confirmed, sales of vehicles using the auto parts may become difficult in the United States. The investigation, which follows a complaint filed in March by Intellectual Ventures II LLC of the United States, is based on Section 337 of the 1930 Tariff Act. The U.S. firm owns at least 40,000 patents and makes profits by managing and trading them. The ITC is slated to complete the probe within 45 days. ITC remedial orders, including sales suspension, would take effect within 60 days unless the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative disapprove them for policy reasons.Copyright JIJI PRESS LTD.