Ford sued over fuel-injection patent
2012-08-31 12:00
FORD STEALS FUEL TECH?: A fuel injection system maker says Ford ripped off his patented technology for the fuel injection system in its popular F-150 pickup trucks.
Author: SOPHIA PEARSON
Ford has been a accused of infringing a 2008 patent covering a fuel-injection system in its F-150 trucks.
According to a complaint filed by TMC Fuel Injection System LLC, Ford began selling vehicles which incorporated the fuel system design after telling the inventor the US automaker had no interest in the technology.
The US company is seeking a court order barring Ford's conduct, in addition to unspecified damages.
The Detroit News reports that Ford's discussions with Shou L. Hou, the inventor of the fuel system, began in December 2004, more than two years after an application was filed to the US patent and trademark office.
Discussions about licensing the technology failed in 2008 when Ford said its wasn't interested in pursuing the system, according to the complaint.
According to TMC, its technology addresses performance and fuel waste by increasing the fuel injection range. The system offers fuel savings of as much as 35% in city driving and also delivers a power boost option for acceleration.
Mike Levine, a spokesman for Ford, said he wasn't aware of the complaint.
