Xiaomi Auto Settles Patent Dispute with 'Lao Tou Le' Amid Early IP Challenge

[Company Update] Xiaomi Auto has reached a settlement with Shandong Yanlu New Energy regarding a dispute over design patents.

Key Development: Xiaomi Auto's First Patent Dispute Concludes Swiftly

On March 24, Yanlu New Energy (commonly known as "Lao Tou Le") filed invalidation requests against three of Xiaomi Auto's design patents—covering the front/rear bumpers and front headlights—with an oral hearing originally scheduled for March 26. However, both parties reached a settlement on March 25. Yanlu subsequently withdrew its requests and issued a public apology, acknowledging its insufficient understanding of intellectual property rights and pledging to cease using the related designs.

Strategic Context: Small Player’s Probing Challenge Fails

The involved party is a micro-sized automaker with only 20 employees and registered capital of RMB 10 million. Its actions were widely perceived as an attempt to ride on Xiaomi's publicity wave. Xiaomi did not publicly comment on the specifics, but Yanlu’s statement expressed gratitude for Xiaomi’s “tolerance and support,” suggesting Xiaomi may have adopted a conciliatory approach to mitigate potential reputational risks.