Toyota Opens Up Its Library of Hydrogen Patents
Toyota announced today at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show that it will be sharing thousands of its patents related to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, in an effort to spur innovation.
“By eliminating traditional corporate boundaries, we can speed the development of new technologies and move into the future of mobility more quickly, effectively and economically,” Toyota USA senior vice president Bob Carter said.
2015 Consumer Electronics Show Coverage
The list of patents include several technologies that were critical in the development of the new Toyota Mirai. For example, there are approximately 1,970 patents related to fuel cell stacks, 290 associated with high-pressure hydrogen tanks, 3,350 related to fuel cell system software control and 70 patents related to hydrogen production and supply.
SEE ALSO: 2016 Toyota Mirai Review
“The first generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, launched between 2015 and 2020, will be critical, requiring a concerted effort and unconventional collaboration between automakers, government regulators, academia and energy providers,” Carter said.
Toyota says that its hydrogen fuel cell patents will be made available to any automakers who is looking to produce and sell fuel cell vehicles. These patents will be available for royalty-free licenses until the end of 2020. However, as part of licensing agreements, Toyota will be requesting that other companies share their fuel cell-related patents with Toyota for similar royalty-free use.
Sami has an unquenchable thirst for car knowledge and has been at AutoGuide for the past six years. He has a degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto and has won multiple journalism awards from the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada. Sami is also on the jury for the World Car Awards.
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