Leading the News: Toyota has a lock on hybrid cars

The Japanese company is betting the rules will give an advantage to its expanding lineup of hybrid vehicles, and it also aims to boost revenue by licensing to other car makers the patents that protect its fuel-saving technologies. Since it started developing the gas-electric Prius more than a decade ago, Toyota has kept its attorneys just as busy as its engineers, meticulously filing for patents on more than 2,000 systems and components for its best-selling hybrid. Toyota’s goal: to make it difficult for other auto makers to develop their own hybrids without seeking licensing from Toyota, as Ford Motor Co. already did to make its Escape hybrid and Nissan Motor Co. has for its Altima hybrid. “Our system is the best technology for hybrids to get the best carbon-dioxide emissions and best fuel economy. Ford, meantime, said it developed its own hybrid technology but agreed to cross-license patents with Toyota to prevent any legal issues. No money changed hands, Ford said.Other car makers will likely need to cross-license technology to develop the fuel efficient vehicles they need before the government deadline. (July 2, 2009)