Xiaomi's patent battle for Huawei is getting more and more intense. On December 12, Xiaomi Group issued a statement saying that recently, Mr. Yu Chengdong made untrue remarks about the company's "keel shaft" technology, which is seriously inconsistent with the facts.
The dispute stems from a statement made by Yu Chengdong, Huawei's Executive Director, CEO of Device BG, and Chairman of the Intelligent Vehicle Solution BU, at the 2023 Huawei Pollen Annual Conference: "I don't respect our (Huawei's) intellectual property rights. The double-rotating droplet hinge directly becomes the keel hinge, and the keel does not exist. ”
First, patent battles are not uncommon in the tech industry, especially when it comes to innovative technologies and product designs. Such disputes can help promote healthy competition between companies and promote technological progress and innovation. In this dispute, both Xiaomi Group and Huawei are involved in the key technology of folding screen mobile phones - hinge technology.
According to Xiaomi's statement, their self-developed "keel hinge" technology adopts an innovative 3-stage rod set structure, which is completely different from Huawei's "double spin waterdrop hinge" in terms of design ideas and mechanical structure. In addition, Xiaomi said that their technology had applied for a patent in September 2020 and was granted a patent in January 2021.
Huawei, Yu Chengdong expressed his views on the "keel hinge" technology in public, judging from Yu Chengdong's remarks, he seems to be criticizing Xiaomi for not innovating in technology, but simply changed the name. However, Xiaomi Group was quick to respond, emphasizing that the "keel hinge" is a new generation of folding hinge technology developed by them, which is completely different from Huawei's "double spin water drop hinge". However, so far, Huawei and Yu Chengdong have not responded to this matter.
Companies in the tech industry often compete with each other, but also seek opportunities to collaborate. Patent battles can sometimes be just about getting a better position in the market, but they can also do involve infringement of intellectual property rights.
It is worth noting that utility model patents and invention patents differ in the examination process and term of protection. Utility model patents focus on the practical improvement of products, while invention patents require high innovation, inventiveness and practicability, and the examination process is more rigorous and complex. In this regard, the patent applications and grants of Xiaomi and Huawei also provide the public with a window into the technical differences between the two companies.
In summary, this patent battle demonstrates the complexity of technological innovation and intellectual property protection in the mobile phone industry. It is hoped that the two parties can uphold the principles of fairness and justice, resolve disputes through legal channels, and jointly promote the technological progress and development of the industry.