Hyundai and Kia asked to pay $28.9 million for patent infringement

Korean car makers Hyundai and Kia have been asked to pay $28.9 million for infringing patents owned by Paice LLC relating to hybrid technology.

These patents date back to 1994 and protect a technology that allows for seamless transition between electric motor and internal combustion unit. Paice LLC believes their patented technology has been used in Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Kia Optima Hybrid without their permission.

Since then, the jury has rejected arguments by Hyundai and Kia that the patents are invalid. In fact, the two manufacturers have been accused of intentionally infringing the patents, which could result in the damage award being tripled by the judge.

Hyundai and Kia, however, hold their stance and have vowed to appeal the findings to the Federal Circuit. 

“Hyundai believes that the verdict returned by the jury today in the matter of Paice v. Hyundai Motor Company et al., is not supported by the evidence. Accordingly, Hyundai has requested that the presiding judge enter a judgment in its favor notwithstanding the verdict. Hyundai strongly believes its position and will appeal any remaining adverse findings to the Federal Circuit,'' a statement by Hyundai read.