P&A Providers & Administrators
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford Accused of Patent Infringement in F-150 Trucks

August 30, 2012
2 min to read


PHILADELPHIA - According to a report on Bloomberg News, Ford Motor Co. was accused in a lawsuit of infringing a 2008 patent covering a fuel-injection system in its F-150 trucks.


Ford allegedly began selling vehicles, including the F-150, that incorporated the patent’s fuel system design after telling the inventor the company had no interest in the technology, according to the complaint filed in federal court in Philadelphia by TMC Fuel Injection System LLC. The company, based in Wayne, Penn., is seeking a court order barring Ford’s conduct, in addition to unspecified damages.

Ad Loading...


Ford’s discussions with Shou L. Hou, the patent inventor, began in December 2004, more than two years after an application was filed to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the technology, TMC said in the complaint. Discussions about licensing the technology failed in 2008 when Ford said the company wasn’t interested in pursuing the system, according to the complaint.


The technology addresses performance and fuel waste by increasing the fuel injection dynamic range, TMC said in the complaint. The system offers fuel savings of as much as 35 percent in city driving and also delivers a power boost option for acceleration, TMC said in papers filed with the complaint.

Todd Nissen, a spokesman for Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford, said the company had “only just heard about the lawsuit,” and would have no comment at this time.


Ford’s F-150 is available with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine. EcoBoost, introduced in 2009, uses direct fuel injection and turbocharging to increase fuel economy. Ford last year introduced its first EcoBoost engine for F- Series pickups. Trucks equipped with that engine accounted for 42 percent of the model line’s retail sales in July, the company said in its latest sales statement issued Aug. 1.

More Industry

Subwoofer in trunk of car.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 26, 2026

Ownership Priorities are Shifting

A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.

Read More →
Man's hand holding gas pump in fuel tank of white car
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 26, 2026

Pump Price Jump Calculated

ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.

Read More →
Graphic showing previous week's truck and SUV segment prices
Industryby StaffMay 20, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of dealership sign with Toyota logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 19, 2026

Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop

Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.

Read More →
Headshot photo of Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 19, 2026

Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending

The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.

Read More →
Photo of the rear of a new BMW iX SUV
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 12, 2026

New-Vehicle Prices Rise

With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic of car segments' results the previous week
Industryby StaffMay 12, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.

Read More →
Graphic of last week's estimated used retail days to turn
Industryby StaffMay 6, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.

Read More →
cargo ship with vehicles, at dock
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 5, 2026

EU Auto Association Urges Action

Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
two people working on a paper contract together
IndustryMay 1, 2026

Driving into the Super CFC Era

Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.

Read More →