Three Xiaomi Auto Design Patents Face Invalidity Challenges

[Intellectual Property] Three design patents of Xiaomi Auto have been challenged for invalidation by Shandong Yanlu New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd.

Key Development: A 'Low-Speed EV' Maker Initiates the First Patent Dispute

Shandong Yanlu New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd., a so-called "low-speed EV" (commonly nicknamed 'Lao Tou Le') automaker with registered capital of only RMB 10 million and approximately 20 employees, filed requests on March 2026 to declare three design patents of Xiaomi Auto invalid. The challenged designs cover the rear bumper (Patent No. 2023300280286), front bumper (Patent No. 2023300278040), and headlamp assembly (Patent No. 2023300276401). Oral hearings for these cases are scheduled for March 26.

Strategic Context: Patent Filings Preceded Product Launch

The headlamp patent in question was filed on January 19, 2023, but was not granted until March 18, 2025. Following grant, Xiaomi proactively requested a patent evaluation report, and the China National Intellectual Property Administration confirmed its validity in May 2025. This challenge marks the first patent dispute faced by Xiaomi Auto since the launch of its vehicles, highlighting a new dynamic of offense and defense in intellectual property among emerging automakers.