Volkswagen Group probed by U.S. over patent infringement complaint from Jaguar Land Rover

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Intercontinental Trade Fee (ITC) reported Monday it is opening in investigation into no matter if Volkswagen Team infringed on patents held by Jaguar Land Rover for a process made use of for off-highway driving.

In November, Jaguar Land Rover submitted a complaint with the ITC in search of to avert the import of some VW, Porsche, Lamborghini and Audi designs with “sure motor vehicle command techniques” that allegedly infringe on its patents.

The designs are the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Audi’s Q8, Q7, Q5, A6 Allroad, and e-tron automobiles and the VW Tiguan. The ITC reported it has made no determination on the merits.

VW reported in a statement it was inspecting the action and determining its next steps.

“We will of class cooperate with investigating authorities. Though we are not able to comment on any details of the proceedings, we strongly feel that the promises have no advantage and will robustly defend our situation,” VW reported.

Jaguar Land Rover reported the automobiles “have made use of JLR’s patented innovations without the need of payment or authorization” notably a patent for an “improved process for driving a motor vehicle on distinctive driving surfaces, in unique off-highway.”

JLR says its Terrain Reaction technologies works by using the patented technologies to increase functionality on off-highway driving surfaces, which include grass, snow, mud, sand and rocks.