Ford has decided to offer competitors access to the electrified vehicle technology patents it holds.
The company’s goal is to boost research and development of electrified vehicles.
To access these patents interested parties can contact the company’s technology commercialization and licensing office, or work through AutoHarvest. The patents would be available for a fee.
AutoHarvest is an automaker collaborative innovation and licensing marketplace which allows members to showcase capabilities and technologies, and then connects with fellow inventors privately to explore technology and business development opportunities of mutual interest.
In 2014, Ford filed more than 400 patents dedicated to electrified vehicle technologies. This is more than 20 per cent of the patents the company filed – totaling more than 2,000 applications.
“Innovation is our goal,” said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs. “The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk made a similar move on June 12, 2014 by opening up all of Tesla Motors’ patents to anyone wishing to use them.
