The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is set to open an investigation into possible patent violations by Volkswagen, makes Reuters known. Jaguar Land Rover claimed at the end of November that Volkswagen was making improper use of the Terrain Response system. Volkswagen denies in all keys.
The ITC’s decision to open an investigation is based on a Jaguar Land Rover complaint to the US regulator. According to the company, Volkswagen is supplying the patented technology behind the Terrain Response system without permission or payment in the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Audi’s Q5, Q7 and Q8. The A6 Allroad and the E-tron are also in the dock. Only the Tiguan would be ‘guilty’ of Volkswagen itself. JLR wants an import ban on the affected models in the United States. The ITC has the power to impose such a ban, but has not yet made a decision on the case. The investigation must reveal whether there are grounds for an import ban.
Volkswagen states in a statement that the claims of JLR are not based on anything. The Wolfsburg concern says it is cooperating in the investigation, but that it will ‘defend its position firmly’. Furthermore, Volkswagen did not want to comment on the current case. The battle between the two car manufacturers seems to be limited to America only, because in Europe there is as yet no comparable case from JLR against Volkswagen.