VinFast faces US ITC probe over aluminum patent allegations

VinFast faces US ITC probe over aluminum patent allegations

Steel firm ArcelorMittal claims the high-strength and alloy-coated patents were used on the VF 8 models.

ArcelorMittal filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission, accusing Vinfast of violating its patents on its vehicles. (Reuters pic)
WASHINGTON:
The US International Trade Commission said Monday it is investigating a complaint filed by ArcelorMittal  that Vietnamese automaker VinFast violated its patents related to high-strength aluminum and aluminum alloy-coated steel in imported vehicles.

ArcelorMittal in April filed a complaint with the ITC and also filed suit against VinFast in US District Court in California, accusing the automaker of violating its patents in its VF 8 vehicle.

VinFast, which started to deliver its sport utility vehicle (SUV) VF 8 in California in 2023, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. VinFast plans to open its first North American manufacturing plant in North Carolina in 2025, which will produce the VF 8 and VF 9 models.

ArcelorMittal first sent VinFast a letter in November 2022 asserting it was violating its patents but said VinFast has not sought a license. The company said it believes the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9 also infringe on its patents.

ArcelorMittal purchased a VinFast VF 8 vehicle in May 2023 and then tested it as part of its patent infringement suit.

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