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Toyota Makes Hydrogen Patents Available Without Royalties

(Credit: Toyota)

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Toyota Makes Hydrogen Patents Available Without Royalties

2016 Toyota Mirai

2016 Toyota Mirai (Credit: Toyota)

Toyota is once again making waves in the automotive industry, beyond creating a more exciting-looking Camry or Corolla. The giant automaker recently announced during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas that it’s opening up a number of fuel cell patents to other automakers and parts suppliers in an effort to increase interest in the technology.

Considering how influential Toyota is when it comes to technological innovation, this move is huge. The company is pledging to share about 5,680 patents it hold worldwide, which cover everything from fuel cell design to the production and distribution of hydrogen. Toyota singlehandedly spurred gasoline-electric powertrain adoption forward, thanks in part to the runaway success of the Prius. As the company hopes to have another big hit with the Mirai fuel cell car, it needs more allies on its side.

It’s developments like this one that could start to tip some serious momentum toward hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Considering that there is no shortage of critics who think that hydrogen as a fuel source isn’t viable, a dramatic shift needs to happen if fuel cell technology will be allowed to flourish in the market. Other automakers like Honda and Hyundai have been lending their support for expanding hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

By giving away patents, Toyota is essentially burning its boats and fully committing to making hydrogen fuel cell vehicles work. The move also makes it even more apparent why future projects with Tesla were terminated, considering that many view electric vehicles as direct opposition to fuel cells.

Even though the patents are open for royalty-free usage, anyone wanting legal access to them must still hammer out a specific agreement with Toyota. In some cases, the company might want to swap fuel cell patents with other automakers, helping both move the technology forward. The patent-sharing offer only runs through the end of 2020, which Toyota must figure gives plenty of time to really ignite a hydrogen revolution in the industry.

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