As Xiaomi launches its new SU7 vehicle and accelerates its automotive business, a small manufacturer named Shandong Yanlu New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. has unexpectedly issued a challenge. This Shandong-based company, which employs just over 20 people, recently filed a request with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) seeking to invalidate three of Xiaomi Auto’s core design patents—covering the front headlights, front bumper, and rear bumper. Although Yanlu primarily produces low-speed electric vehicles (commonly known as “senior mobility cars”), which target a vastly different market segment than Xiaomi’s offerings, this patent challenge has drawn significant industry attention and could test Xiaomi Auto’s intellectual property strategy.