Patent Danger for LiFePO4 Batteries?

[Puppyjump]

I've recently stumbled across some web postings in regards to a Canadian company claiming in lawsuits they own the LiFePO4 technology along , I think, with A123 systems saying the same thing. I this would mean the Chinese ones will become illegal.

http://visforvoltage.org/forum/3035-a123systems-announces-patent-issuance-nanophosphate%E2%84%A2-lithium-ion-battery-technology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate#LFP_Patent_Wars


Does anyone know what the status is here? I worry because I recently bought a ping battery for my bike, and I'd like to know I can buy a replacement someday. Also I just got a ZAP electric car and I'd like to maybe change the SLA's to Thundersky LiFePO4s someday since I was hoping they would come down in price by the time I wear out my SLAs in a couple years.

Well, if the Canadian company or the singular A123 gets control (and I think the Canadian one is an energy company...maybe ties to oil?) not only would the price never come down, but it would probably be like Chevron locking up Large Format NiMH batteries so that we can't get them at any price to use in EVs.

I was hoping the Chinese Thundersky's would be a solution to the Chevron supression if the NiMH cells

 

[tostino]

The Chinese company's don't really heed patents, so I don't believe those battery choices will disappear. I truly do hope lifepo4 doesn't get shut down like NIMH did. I don't believe these Chinese company's will bring innovation to the technology, but they will provide competition.

 

[TylerDurden]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8369&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

 

[thomas]

Wouldnt psi, headway, lifebatt etc. have been sued a long time ago then? or are they already in a lawsuit?

 

[TylerDurden]

I rekon it's all a bit moot at this point. Since the EU denied the validity of the patent in Europe, the horse is outta the barn.