Toyota recently announced that it will allow all manufacturers, royalty-free use of its 5000 plus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV)-related patents, including the pending applications, it holds globally.

The move is an attempt to provide impetus to introduction of FCVs by automobile manufacturers, and encourage energy companies that are looking to expand hydrogen station infrastructure. This initiative will include patents that are critical to the development and production of FCVs, such as those relating to fuel cell stacks (approximately 1,970 patent licenses), high-pressure hydrogen tanks (approximately 290 patent licenses), and fuel cell system control technology (approximately 3,350 patent licenses).

To facilitate more rapid expansion of hydrogen station networks, Toyota will also provide royalty-free use of approximately 70 hydrogen-station-related patents to those installing and operating hydrogen stations.

All of these patents from Toyota will be available for use, with specific usage plans, in line with standard patent usage procedures.