Shandong "Lao Tou Le" EV Maker Reaches Settlement with Xiaomi Auto in Patent Dispute

Recently, Shandong Yanlu New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. and Xiaomi Auto have reached a settlement regarding their dispute over the invalidation of design patents. Previously, Yanlu New Energy filed requests with China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) to invalidate three design patents related to the front headlights, front bumper, and rear bumper of Xiaomi’s SU7 and YU7 models, drawing widespread public attention. CNIPA had originally scheduled a hearing on March 26, but both parties signed a settlement agreement on March 25. The specific terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. According to Yanlu New Energy’s management, Xiaomi Auto will announce relevant details soon. Headquartered in Gaotang County, Shandong Province, Yanlu New Energy primarily manufactures “Yunlei”-branded electric tricycles. The company has a registered capital of RMB 10 million and is wholly owned by individual investor Lou Biao. Although it has been described in media reports as a “small factory with only 20 employees,” on-site visits reveal that the company operates multiple production workshops and is currently expanding its capacity and hiring staff, with plans to add 35 new employees.