Shandong "Lao Tou Le" Firm Sues Xiaomi Auto Over Patent Invalidity; Both Parties Settle

Recently, Shandong Yanlu New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd.—a company specializing in low-speed electric vehicles commonly known as “Lao Tou Le” (literally “old man’s joy”)—filed requests for invalidation against three of Xiaomi Auto’s design patents covering front/rear bumpers and headlights, drawing widespread attention. The company claimed these designs might be used on Xiaomi’s SU7 and YU7 models. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) had originally scheduled an oral hearing on the matter for March 26. However, according to Fengkou Finance on March 26, both parties reached a settlement on March 25, though specific details remain undisclosed. Yanlu New Energy has a registered capital of RMB 10 million. Tianyancha data shows it employs approximately 20 people, although its actual factory scale may be larger, as the company has recently been expanding production capacity and recruiting workers. The firm holds no design patents, only seven utility model and invention patents. Xiaomi Auto has not yet issued an official response.