With the growing prevalence of electric cars, self-driving capabilities, and connected technologies, the automotive industry’s focus on data-driven innovation continues to evolve. 

Combined, the patent risk landscape within the transportation space appears far different than it did even a few years ago. In 2022, nearly 80% of all cases in this sector were brought by NPEs, the highest since 2015. Operating company litigation decreased by 31% over the past three years, while patent assertion entity (PAE) NPE litigation increased by 47%.

Transport Manufacturers were targeted the most, but suppliers and even dealers saw litigation. 

Infotainment remained the most targeted technology from 2012-22. These systems do more than control the radio - they allow cars to communicate with other components or devices.  The last two years have seen nearly 92 NPE infotainment assertions. 

Car companies such as Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru have increased development in connectivity in vehicles as Unified’s Velocity of Innovation metric demonstrates; patents related to CPC code H04W - Wireless Communications have been a priority for each of these companies.

Neo Wireless, the most active plaintiff in 2022, accounted for 21% of all NPE-PAE cases and targeted infotainment systems of Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Toyota, Stellantis, and Volkswagen.

Top defendants in 2022 included Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and Toyota.

Most challenged patent owners at the PTAB include Intellectual Ventures, Neo Wireless, Blitzsafe, and Scramoge.

METHODOLOGY

Unified looked at all major Transport manufacturers and the top 10 Transport suppliers by revenue since 2012.

Total number of reported cases can vary. Unified made its best attempt to eliminate mistaken or duplicative filings.

Statistics include litigations initiated by NPEs or Declaratory Judgments (DJs) initiated by operating companies against NPEs.

Unified strives to accurately identify NPE through all available means, such as court filings, public documents, and product documentation.

LEGEND

Non Practicing Entity (NPE) = Company which derives the majority of its total revenue from Patent Licensing activities.

Operating Company or Op. Co. = Company which derives most of its total revenue from Product Sales or Services. Could be an SME or a large company.

NPE (Patent Assertion Entities) = Entity whose primary activity is licensing patents and acquired most of its patents from another entity

NPE (Small Company) = Entity whose original activity was providing products and services, but now is primarily focused on monetizing its own patent portfolio.

NPE (Individual) = Entity owned or controlled by an individual inventor who is primarily focused on monetizing inventions patents by that individual inventor.

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