Toyota seems to be heading to become a global leader in commercial vehicle production. Its intentions were amply clear when it recently announced that the company will allow all manufacturers royalty free usage of 5000 plus Fuel Cell Vehicle related patents. This FCV patents also include the pending applications that Toyota holds on a global level. This move by Toyota is being seen as an initiative that will encourage introduction of FCVs by different automobile manufactures. In addition, energy companies that are looking for expansion of their hydrogen station infrastructure can also use this facility.
Patents that are critical for development and production of FCVs will come under the ambit of this announcement. Patents relating to fuel cell stacks, high pressure hydrogen tanks and fuel cell system control technology will come in the fold of this development. It is noteworthy here that approximately 1970 patent licenses for fuel cell stacks, 290 patent licenses for high pressure hydrogen tanks and around 3,350 patent licenses for fuel cell system control technology will benefit from this move initiated by Toyota.
Toyota seems to be interested in expanding the network of hydrogen stations. To give this move a practical shape, the Japanese auto maker will allow royalty free usage of approximate 70 hydrogen station related patents to those interested in installing and operating of these stations. Sources at Toyota have also made it clear that these patents will be available for use with specific and particular usage plans. These patents will be available for use keeping in line the standard usage procedures for any of such patents. The royalty free usage of these patents is also being seen as a business promotion initiative and will inspire increased confidence in the auto maker which has been trying hard to sell its image as a global auto leader.
