China's Baosteel refutes patent lawsuit by Nippon Steel

Baosteel

China's Baosteel refuted claims in a lawsuit launched by Japanese steel enterprise Nippon Steel for patent infringement, according to an announcement released by the company on Monday. Baosteel also vowed to actively respond to the lawsuit and protect the company's rights and interests. 

Baosteel said in the announcement that the company has not received any paperwork of the lawsuit from Nippon Steel yet and potential impact on the company's revenue cannot be evaluated accordingly. 

Nippon Steel on October 14 filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court, which named Toyota and Baosteel, and asked for 20 billion yen compensation each. Nippon Steel alleged that Toyota commercially used a special steel plate that infringes its patent into electric manufacturing. The steel plate was made by Baosteel, one of Toyota's suppliers.

According to media reports, Toyota had received Baosteel's written guarantee that it had not infringed any patents. Baosteel had also urged Nippon Steel to make positive communication and claim proofs for several times but were all refused. 

The special steel plate is a key part in manufacturing engines of electric car. Only three companies in China have the capacity to produce the steel plate, and the products made by Baosteel and Shougang Group received recognition from all auto makers.

Global Times