Nissan, Hyundai Escape Driver-Assistance Patent Suits in Texas

Hyundai Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. beat patent infringement allegations concerning engine, headlight, remote-control and driver-assistance features.

Judge Rodney Gilstrap granted the automakers’ motions to dismiss Longhorn Automotive Group LLC’s consolidated lawsuits, in orders filed Sept. 26 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Gilstrap said the patent owner can file amended complaints in both cases.

The judge ruled Longhorn Automotive didn’t sufficiently allege Hyundai had pre-suit knowledge of the patents, had specific intent for infringement, or committed willful or contributory infringement. It also didn’t sufficiently allege direct and indirect infringement against Nissan, Gilstrap ruled ...