16489 Views 12 Replies Latest reply: 2015-01-13 05:03:06
In case some of you are wondering what is going on, here's some of the information that's available on the internet regarding Ford and GM link right below it:
Also I am not the originator regarding this information.
Law360, Los Angeles (September 29, 2014, 9:45 PM ET) --
Ford Motor Co.
sued vehicle diagnostic equipment company Autel US Inc. and an
affiliate on Monday in Michigan federal court, alleging Autel had hacked
into one of Ford's software programs and copied information for use in
its diagnostic tools.
In a 19-page complaint, Ford claimed Huntington, New York-based
Autel had crafted a program to unlawfully gain access to and copy its
trade secrets and used Ford's signature "Oval" trademark without its
authorization or a license.
"By wrongfully acquiring Ford’s trade secrets, by misappropriating them
for Autel’s own use, and by the related wrongdoing, Autel has received a
benefit from Ford," attorneys for Ford wrote in the complaint.
Ford has developed a diagnostic tool called the Ford Integrated
Diagnostic System, which includes both hardware and software components,
to service a wide variety of issues with vehicles, according to the
complaint. The tools connect to a diagnostic link in Ford vehicles that
communicates with an on-board computer system, and the IDS software
relays technical information regarding the diagnosis and repair of
issues based on data received from the tools, the suit said.
Some compilations of data within the IDS system, including one known as
the FFData file, constitute trade secrets used by Ford and its network
of authorized dealers and repair facilities, according to the complaint.
Ford alleged Autel had created a program to gain unauthorized access to
the FFData file, then extracted the file and copied it onto its own
diagnostic products.
Specifically, Autel's DS708 tool contains an unlawfully obtained copy of
the FFData file, according to Ford. Autel's tool responds in the same
manner as Ford's IDS does when "test" or "dummy" data is entered, which
"conclusively demonstrates that Autel copied Ford’s proprietary
database because the 'test' or 'dummy' does not correspond to any actual
vehicles or parts," lawyers for Ford wrote in the complaint.
Ford is asserting claims for copyright and trademark infringement, false
designation of origin, misappropriation of trade secrets, common law
unjust enrichment and unfair and deceptive trade practices. The company
is seeking an injunction, an order requiring Autel to destroy any
allegedly infringing products, unspecified damages, attorneys' fees and
other relief.
An Autel representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment late Monday.
Ford is represented by Gregory D. Phillips, Scott R. Ryther and Jared L. Cherry of Phillips Ryther & Winchester.
Counsel information for Autel was not immediately available.
The case is Ford Motor Co. et al. v. Autel US Inc., case number 2:14-cv-13760, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
--Editing by Christine Chun.
Do you not think that they will see all these negative posts and think everyone is in a frenzy about the situation.
It would make more sense for them to take a more professional approach and enlighten us about the rumours if they are false.
Or are they frightened to admit to this for the fear of people jumping ship and going elsewhere.
Customer support must see this and panic to what will happen next.
Someone from Autel must address this situation.