Automotive

  • Represented Petitioners SL Corporation and Hyundai Motor America, Inc., in two inter partes review proceedings challenging the validity of a patent directed to automatic adjustment of automotive headlights based on signals from inertial sensors and/or potentiometers. The PTAB invalidated all challenged claims in the patents. IPR2016-00193, IPR2016-00079
  • Represented the ousted founder of an automation company in a fiduciary dispute.
  • Negotiated a settlement on behalf of a car dealership in connection with a consumer class action alleging that our client violated G.L. c. 93A, § 2 by advertising incorrect prices for automobile repairs.
  • Represented a large automotive group in Massachusetts concerning an extortionate threat made by a former employee who had access to confidential customer information. We conducted an investigation in this cyber/privacy case regarding the client’s duty to disclose (or not disclose). After determining that no disclosure was required, the case resolved with a satisfactory result for our client.
  • Represent Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, together among the largest auto manufacturers in the world in helping to develop patent protections for some of its most advanced technologies, such as those involved in environmentally-friendly systems (including driving mode controls) and advanced driver assist systems (including collision prevention by detecting obstacles, maintaining driving lane, etc.).
  • Represented a national trade association of automobile manufacturers in their constitutional challenge, on federal preemption grounds, to the Data Access Law that was passed by the Massachusetts voters via a ballot initiative in the November 2020 election
  • Represented a car dealership in connection with a class action alleging violations of the Massachusetts State Wage Act and common law violations in connection with overtime compensation of commissioned sales staff.
  • We represented an automobile repair and maintenance provider in a consumer class action alleging unfair and deceptive trade practices arising from defendant recommending an oil change interval that purportedly fails to comply with manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • Successfully represented a leading automotive global supplier in multiple disputes with Ford Motor Corporation.
  • Represented an automobile dealership who was accused of dumping hazardous substances in their waste oil. We helped the client to seek indemnification from the prior owner of the company and the case was eventually dismissed.
  • Prosecuted a claim by our client, automobile dealer, against a major automobile manufacturer for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties and implied covenant of good faith, unfair business practices, fraud, anti-trust violations, and conspiracy. Obtained a substantial settlement for our client after a favorable ruling on a petition for preliminary injunction and shortly before commencement of trial.
Automotive Supplier Awarded $10M in 8-Day Arbitration Case Study

Automotive Supplier Awarded $10M in 8-Day Arbitration

Mintz secured an award of more than $10 million after an eight-day arbitration for an automotive supplier that is a portfolio company of a Mintz private equity client. The automotive supplier had sued a truck manufacturing company for contract violations.
Licensing Revenue Success for AST in Multi-Prong Program Case Study

Licensing Revenue Success for AST in Multi-Prong Program

Mintz helped patent licensing company Advanced Silicon Technologies (AST) monetize 3D video graphics processing and intelligent memory control patents. Mintz asserted four patents for AST against manufacturers in the International Trade Commission (ITC), district court, and European venues.