Renault’s New Initiative to Curb Use of IP Developed by Renault and Nissan – Nikkei By Reuters

Nissan and Renault Restrict Joint Intellectual Property Use

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co and French automaker Renault SA have agreed to limit the application of the intellectual property they developed together in a new venture established by Renault, according to a recent report.

The sharing of technology has been a key issue as Renault and Nissan negotiate the future of their long-standing partnership. The two companies have been discussing various aspects of their alliance, including the possibility of Nissan investing in an electric vehicle business being separated from Renault.

Additionally, Renault and China’s Geely have announced plans to create a new joint venture, which will provide gasoline engines and hybrid technology for their brands as well as other automakers.

Renault expressed intentions to utilize patents and other intellectual property jointly acquired with Nissan in this new venture, but Nissan raised concerns about the handling of this intellectual property, particularly regarding battery and powertrain technology.

Nissan has stated that it would not permit the use of shared intellectual property for products intended for the U.S. and Chinese markets to avoid competition with the new venture and prevent potential technology leaks.

Furthermore, Nissan aims to ensure that its key internal-combustion and hybrid technologies are safeguarded in any agreements Renault may finalize with Geely.

Representatives from both Nissan and Renault have chosen not to comment on the matter.