The Complaint: Patent Infringement Alleged in Automotive Assembly Systems
An NPE filed a lawsuit in federal court against a major vehicle manufacturer, alleging that the manufacturer’s automated assembly systems used in automotive manufacturing infringed two patents related to manufacturing process control and quality verification methods. The plaintiff claimed that the defendant’s quality control and error-proofing processes, which ensure proper component assembly, incorporated patented technology without authorization. Specifically, the plaintiff alleged that the manufacturer’s assembly systems used automated validation methods that fell within the scope of the asserted patents.
The Ask: An Automotive Manufacturing Expert With Experience in Assembly Systems and Quality Control
The defendant sought an expert with comprehensive experience in automotive manufacturing and automated systems, including expertise with sensors, cameras, and assembly operations. The ideal candidate needed to come directly from the automotive industry rather than just having general automation experience. The expert also needed to understand structural integrity in assembled products, specifically how manufacturing process sequences and assembly validation methods affect product quality and reliability. This expertise was crucial as the patent claims included specific requirements about structural failures that could result from improper assembly processes.
Additionally, the expert would need to analyze the manufacturing systems, evaluate industry standards and practices, and provide insights into automated assembly processes and structural engineering principles.
How WIT Was Able to Meet the Expert Need
WIT actively recruited a diverse group of leading experts to support our clients in anticipation of an influx of automotive disputes. For this case, WIT recommended an expert with extensive automotive manufacturing experience, combining both industry and academic backgrounds. His engineering expertise and research focus on manufacturing systems and process control made him particularly well-suited for analyzing complex validation methods. The expert’s industry experience includes roles at major automotive manufacturers, where he specialized in quality control systems and process validation. His research and practical work on manufacturing processes and quality monitoring provided the expertise needed to analyze production systems and their impact on product reliability. Additionally, his active involvement in industry technical committees and standard-setting activities brought additional insight into manufacturing practices, positioning him to effectively evaluate complex production systems and their impact on product integrity.
How WIT’s Experts Can Assist in Automotive Disputes
WIT represents experts with deep knowledge of automotive engineering, manufacturing, and emerging vehicle technologies to support attorneys in high-stakes litigation. Our expert teams include industry leaders, academics, and former regulators who analyze complex technical issues, assess patent claims, and provide strategic insights. As innovation drives competition and legal challenges, WIT’s experts help clients navigate disputes involving patents, trade secrets, and regulatory matters in the evolving automotive landscape.
Contact us to learn more about WIT’s expert teams in automotive and technology-related disputes.