The U.S. International Trade Commission is investigating a complaint filed by ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT) that Vietnamese automaker VinFast violated its patents related to high-strength aluminum and aluminum alloy-coated steel in imported vehicles, Reuters reported Monday.
VinFast, which started to deliver its VF 8 sport utility vehicle in California in 2023, plans to open its first North American manufacturing plant in North Carolina in July.
ArcelorMittal (MT) said it first told VinFast in November 2022 asserting violations of its patents and that it believes the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9 also infringe on its patents.
The U.S. ITC will make a final determination in the investigation “at the earliest practicable time,” and will set a target date for completing the investigation within 45 days after its launch.