A new lawsuit by Jaguar and Land Rover’s parent company, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc (JLR), filed a lawsuit on Thursday to block the import of new Porsche, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, and Audi vehicles from entering the U.S. The news was reported by Bloomberg.
In its filing with the U.S. International Trade Commission, JLR says that the companies, all under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, are using JLR’s patented Terrain Response technology without permission. The technology, which helps vehicles traverse a “broad range of surfaces” is used in a number of vehicles in the JLR lineup including the Jaguar F-Pace and Land Rover Discovery. Those two SUV recently debuted refreshed versions for the 2021 model year.
<
Jaguar recently debuted the revised 2021 E-Pace (above) and F-Pace.
Photo courtesy of Jaguar
In the filing, JLR specifies that it is looking to block the import of the Porsche Cayenne; Lamborghini Urus; and a host of Audi vehicles including the Q8, Q7, Q5, A6 Allroad, and E-Tron; in addition to the Volkswagen Tiguan. In its complaint, the company says that there are enough vehicles to meet customer demand in the U.S. other than those named in the papers.
In addition to its complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC), JLR has filed patent lawsuits in Delaware and New Jersey seeking cash compensation for the use of the technology. Traditionally, the ITC works faster than the courts in the investigation of unfair trade practices. ITC cannot award damages, but can block products from entering the U.S. Bloomberg says that ITC investigations are typically completed in 15 to 18 months.
The case is In the Matter of Certain Vehicle Control Systems, 337-3508, U.S. International Trade Commission (Washington). The filing is marked as confidential. JLR is represented in the matter by Latham & Watkins LLP, an International firm that was founded in 1934.
