On April 3, 2019, Toyota announced royalty-free licensing for approximately 23,740 patents and some pending applications covering vehicle-electrification technology developed over more than 20 years. The offer was aimed principally at companies that manufacture and sell electrified vehicles or their component parts—not at individual consumers—and applicants had to contact Toyota and sign an agreement covering specific terms.
What Toyota actually offered
“Free access” meant a patent license without royalties during Toyota’s stated grant period. It did not mean unrestricted public access, a downloadable patent bundle, free Toyota vehicles, or permission to use every Toyota invention automatically. Toyota said interested companies should discuss implementation conditions with the company and conclude a contract.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The announcement covered technologies usable in hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Toyota’s current inquiry form identifies vehicle manufacturers and component manufacturers as the principal intended applicants.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How many patents and what they covered
Toyota reported approximately 23,740 relevant patents, including some pending applications. Its Japanese-language announcement gave the following approximate breakdown as of the end of March 2019:
#1 Best Overall
- 2 Operating Methods: Kids car supports remote control operation and child-provided steering wheel and pedal operation, 2.4G remote control supports 3-speed regulation, parents can remotely control the speed and direction of the car to improve safety
- Real Driving Experience: Kids Electric Car is equipped with door-openable design, one button start, high and low speed adjustment, with forward, reverse and stop buttons. The steering wheel with horn and music buttons allows children to feel the fun of real driving
- Safer Experience: Kids ride on car is equipped with a 3-point seat belt, soft start, front and rear shock absorbers to ensure your child's safety and comfort while riding
- Enhance the fun: the music board of electric kids car provides USB, TF card, AUX interface, the built-in music can be played and paused, rich music options to meet the child's entertainment needs, Speeds up to 1.3Mph to 2.6Mph
- Meet Child's Needs: The overall appearance of electric car for kids is exquisite and simulates the size of a real vehicle (L 36" x W 22" x H 21"), suitable for 3-7 years old, up to 66LBS, which can satisfy your child's indoor and outdoor driving
| Technology area | Approximate Toyota count |
|---|---|
| Electric motors | 2,590 |
| Power control units (PCUs) | 2,020 |
| System controls | 7,550 |
| Engine and transaxle technology | 1,320 |
| Charging equipment | 2,200 |
| Fuel-cell-related technology | 8,060 |
These figures are historical, approximate portfolio counts—not a current count of available patent families. Toyota said the fuel-cell total included patents it had already been offering royalty-free since 2015.
What “over 20 years” refers to
The phrase describes the period of Toyota’s electrified-vehicle technology development, particularly its hybrid-vehicle work. It does not mean that licensees received only 20 years of free use, nor that every patent was exactly 20 years old. Toyota stated that the grant period ran from the 2019 announcement through December 31, 2030.
Rank #2
- 12V Powerful Engine: Blitzshark kids ride on TOYOTA Tacoma adopts 12V and dual motors power configuration, which can provide stable and sufficient current to 36 years kids. The seat length up to 15.75 inches makes kids more comfortable while driving; the thickened iron structure and wear-resistant silent wheels provide for smooth driving on various terrains, giving kids a better driving experience
- Dual Driving Modes: This 12V kids ride on toy supports dual driving modes: Parental remote control and Kids manual operation. Kids can use the steering wheel and pedals to drive the car independently; and parents can use the 2.4G remote control if kids are too young. There is an emergency brake button on the remote control, which can immediately stop the car to ensure the child's safety in an emergency
- Outstanding Appearance and Safety: Licensed Toyota Tacoma Ride On Truck drives like the real midsize pickup with iconic design details, stylish colors and exquisite details that can surprise all the boys and girls. Equipped with metal spring suspension, which can prevent children from being bumped; three-point seat belts and safety door locks give children more comprehensive protection
- Multifunction Entertainment Features: The central control with digital display design of this car provides a variety of functions, including Music, FM Radio, Bright Headlights, and Horn, which can offer more fun for driving. The rear of the car is a storage space, which can easily carry children's daily necessities and toys
- Product Specifications: Overall size: 39.8 x 24.4 x 24.4 inches (L x W x H). Wheel diameter: 10.4 inches. Seat Length: 15.75 inches. Maximum Load: 66 LBS (30KG). Playtime: Around 1 to 2 Hours (Fluctuates according to factors like load, speed, road surface and temperature)
Who the offer was for
Primary applicants
- Companies manufacturing and selling HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs or FCEVs.
- Companies manufacturing and selling component parts for those vehicles.
The offer was therefore a corporate licensing program. The published material does not establish a consumer application route or an automatic license for hobbyists, individual vehicle owners or unrelated businesses.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How a company would pursue a license
- Identify the Toyota electrification technology and intended vehicle or component application.
- Contact Toyota through its inquiry process.
- Discuss the relevant patents, implementation conditions and other contractual terms with Toyota.
- Conclude a license agreement before relying on the rights.
Toyota’s public descriptions do not disclose all contract terms or guarantee that a particular patent family remains available. A prospective licensee would need Toyota to confirm the applicable portfolio and conditions for its project.
Rank #3
- Miniature Motors is the exclusive supplier of this item!! This product requires assembly
- Worry-free Riding: Powered by 12 V 7 Ah rechargeable battery and 12 V twin motors, your child can enjoy 60-80 minutes of non-stop playtime, 3 mph MAX speed for smooth rides on outdoor adventures; Safe and reliable for kids and parents
- Remote Control & Manual Driving: Parents can use the remote control to stop the car in an emergency, or completely control it remotely (for younger kids); Older children can freely control the steering wheel and foot pedal in the backyard or on other flat surfaces
- Multimedia Played: Enjoy the convenience of Wireless music and a USB port, allowing your child to listen to their preferred tunes while cruising around in this electric car; Built-in music and story, as well as battery power indicator are included
- Realistic Design: Openable and lockable door, impressive headlights and light-up panel, eye-catching beep beep sound, speed switch and forward/ reverse switch to maneuver cars, small trunk in back to store kid's favorite toys and games
Patent licenses and engineering support were different offers
Toyota also described technical support for finished-vehicle manufacturers using Toyota electrification systems. That support was separate from the royalty-free patent license, was fee-based and required its own contract. Toyota’s detailed program page now says inquiries for that technical support are closed, so it should not be presented as a free or currently open part of the patent offer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Toyota made the announcement
Toyota Executive Vice President Shigeki Terashi said in the 2019 announcement: “If the number of electrified vehicles accelerates significantly in the next 10 years, they will become standard, and we hope to play a role in supporting that process.” This was Toyota’s stated rationale at the time, not an independently verified forecast of EV adoption.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Licensed Toyota Land Cruiser Appearance: This super cool kids' off-road vehicle perfectly replicates the classic look of the Toyota Land Cruiser, designed specifically for little adventurers aged 3 to 8. The toddler car comes equipped with LED lights, a steering wheel, foot pedals, and both forward and reverse functions, offering an exciting off-road experience
- 12V Powerful Motor: This INFANS kids electric car is powered by a 12V 7AH rechargeable battery and features 2 x 65W motors, ensuring robust power delivery. This 4-wheeler electric car with a power display is able to play for about 45 minutes on an 8-10 hours charge and the speed can up to 3.67 mph
- Manual & Parental Control: The child can control the car by manual operation. For parents, they can control the kid’s electric vehicle by 2.4GHz remote control, and there are 3 adjustable speeds: 2.42-2.98-3.67 Mph. Since the remote mode can override the manual mode, you can press the emergency brake button (P button) at any time to avoid kid getting into danger (NOTE: 2 x 1.5V AAA batteries required are not included)
- Multiple Built-in Fun: This kids car is equipped with music, MP3, USB and volume control, allowing children to drive while playing their favorite songs. Buttons on the steering wheel control the music and speakers. Are you in search of a gift that fosters children's learning, fun, and ignites creativity, skills, and passion? The IFNANS kids car is the perfect choice
- Safe Driving Function: Soft start and soft brake functions ensure smooth start and stop of the power wheels. Worried about riding on uneven surfaces? This 4-wheeled vehicle features 4 wheels with rear suspension springs that can provide shock absorption on any regular surface. And each motor is equipped with an independent overload protector to prevent motor damage and extend service life
Rank #4
- 2 Operating Methods: Kids car supports remote control operation and child-provided steering wheel and pedal operation, 2.4G remote control supports 3-speed regulation, parents can remotely control the speed and direction of the car to improve safety
- Real Driving Experience: Kids Electric Car is equipped with door-openable design, one button start, high and low speed adjustment, with forward, reverse and stop buttons. The steering wheel with horn and music buttons allows children to feel the fun of real driving
- Safer Experience: Kids ride on car is equipped with a 3-point seat belt, soft start, front and rear shock absorbers to ensure your child's safety and comfort while riding
- Enhance the fun: the music board of electric kids car provides USB, TF card, AUX interface, the built-in music can be played and paused, rich music options to meet the child's entertainment needs
- Meet Child's Needs: The overall appearance of electric car for kids is exquisite and simulates the size of a real vehicle (35.43“ x 21.45” x 20.86"), suitable for 3-5 years old, up to 66LBS, which can satisfy your child's indoor and outdoor driving
What the announcement did—and did not—establish
- Established: Toyota announced approximately 23,740 royalty-free electrification patents and some pending applications on April 3, 2019.
- Established: The stated license period extended through December 31, 2030.
- Established: Coverage included motors, PCUs, controls and other systems spanning several electrified-vehicle types.
- Not established: That every listed patent is currently available, that all applicants receive identical rights, or that licensing is automatic without a contract.
- Not established: That Toyota’s separate technical-support service remains open or free.
What manufacturers should verify before relying on the offer
- Whether the specific patent family is included and still available for the proposed use.
- Which vehicle, component, territory and production activities the agreement covers.
- Whether any pending application has since granted, lapsed or changed scope.
- The obligations, reporting requirements, exclusions and end-of-period effects in Toyota’s contract.
- Whether engineering assistance is needed and, if so, whether Toyota is accepting support inquiries.
