U.S. panel to open patent probe on Toyota hybrids
TOKYO, Feb 10 (Reuters) A U.S. trade body is to investigate a complaint that Toyota Motor Corp.'s (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research) popular Prius and Highlander hybrid models infringed a patent, according to the body's Web site.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will look at a claim that the patent is owned by U.S.-based Solomon Technologies Inc. (SOLM.OB: Quote, Profile, Research), it said.

Shares of Solomon Technologies -- based in Tapron Springs, Florida, and which provides propulsion systems for marine applications and motors for vehicles and machinery -- rose 23percent in over-the-counter trade on Friday.

Solomon Technologies filed a complaint with the panel last month saying the hybrid transmission in the two popular vehicles infringed its patent related to motor and transmission systems.

If the ITC agrees with Solomon, Japan's top automaker could be banned from importing the systems and the Prius and Highlander hybrid models that they power. The ITC said opening a case does not mean it has made any decision on the merits.

A Toyota spokesman said the company cannot comment on ongoing cases.

In September, Solomon applied to a Florida federal court for an injunction against Toyota barring infringement and damages for unauthorised use of its patented technologies.

According to Solomon's complaint, inventor Jonathan Edwards got a patent in 1991 for a "dual-input, infinite-speed integral motor and transmission device," which he later assigned to Town Creek Industries Inc.

Town Creek, which was subsequently acquired by Solomon, discussed the technology in 1992 and 1993 with Toyota representatives, who evaluated the design of the device, but never made a deal, the complaint said.

Toyota sold 110,000 Prius models and 18,800 Highlander hybrid SUVs in North America last year.

Solomon shares were up 14 cents at 75 cents in midday trading.