It all started when Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, part of the Toyota Group, filed a case against Indian company LMW Limited, accusing it of copying their patented technology in its Spinpact spinning machines. But the case took a surprising turn when the Delhi High Court dismissed Toyota’s claim, pointing out that the patent had already expired. This case is a strong reminder of how important it is to stay on top of patent renewals and not overlook the basics of intellectual property laws.
Why Toyota Took Legal Action?
Back in 2024, Toyota took legal action against LMW Limited, an Indian company, claiming that it was copying their patented technology. Toyota believed that LMW’s spinning machine, called Spinpact, was using the same method as their own invention — the Fiber Bundle Concentrating Apparatus in Spinning Machine, which had been patented under Patent No. IN 759 by their group company, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki. According to Toyota, Spinpact’s fiber-condensing system worked on the same principle as their patented process. Because of this, they approached the Delhi High Court and asked for a temporary injunction to stop LMW from making or selling the Spinpact machine.
Toyota vs LMW Limited
The dispute started when Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, a part of the Toyota Group, took LMW Limited to the Delhi High Court, claiming that LMW’s Spinpact spinning machine was copying their patented technology. The patent in question — IN 759, titled “Fiber Bundle Concentrating Apparatus in Spinning Machine” — had been granted back in 2010, with a filing date of May 24, 2005. Toyota asked the court to stop LMW from selling Spinpact.
But the case took a different turn when the court pointed out that Toyota’s patent had already expired on May 24, 2025, after running its full 20-year course under the Indian Patents Act. In its July 1, 2025 judgment, the court made it clear: once a patent expires, the technology becomes public property, and anyone can use it—including LMW. So even if the Spinpact machine used similar ideas, it didn’t count as infringement anymore. The court denied Toyota’s request and closed the case, with both parties bearing their own legal costs.
Spinpact vs Toyota’s Invention: What’s the Technology Behind It?
Spinpact, launched by LMW Limited around 2021–2022, is an advanced spinning machine that uses compact spinning technology to produce high-quality yarn with better efficiency.
The Fiber Bundle Concentrating Apparatus was invented by Toyota Jidoshokki and patented in India on May 24, 2005; it was granted on December 20, 2010, and expired on May 24, 2025. The apparatus is used in spinning machines to align and compact fiber bundles before twisting them into yarn, improving yarn strength and quality.
What can we learn from this case?
The importance of the renewal process.
Many business just stop after the patent granting process, but they forget that the patent is given to them only for 20 years, and after that they have to renew it, and if they do not do patent renewal process they will lose all the right.
Timing Matters in IPR Enforcement.
Toyota’s legal move came too late. If you suspect someone is infringing your rights, acting within the valid term of your patent is critical. Courts cannot grant protection once the patent has expired, no matter how strong your case might have been earlier.
Patents Don’t Last Forever
Toyota’s case reminds us that patents have a limited lifespan—usually 20 years. After that you do not have any right over the patent.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of understanding and following IPR laws carefully. Even global companies like Toyota can lose enforcement rights if they overlook key legal timelines—like patent expiry. It’s a clear reminder that protecting your intellectual property isn’t just about having a patent, but also about knowing when and how to act on it.