WASHINGTON, May 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. International Trade Commission said Monday it is investigating a complaint filed by ArcelorMittal that Vietnamese automaker VinFast violated its patents related to high-strength aluminum and aluminum alloy-coated steel in imported vehicles.

ArcelorMittal in April filed a complaint with the ITC and also filed suit against VinFast in U.S. District Court in California, accusing the automaker of violating its patents in its VF 8 vehicle.

VinFast, which started to deliver its sport utility vehicle (SUV) VF 8 in California in 2023, said in an email it procures "aluminum-coated steel components from a reputable supplier. The supplier has assured us that they have not infringed upon any third-party intellectual property rights."

VinFast added the supplier it did not name has committed to indemnifying it for any damages incurred due to allegations of patent infringement.

VinFast plans to open its first North American manufacturing plant in North Carolina in 2025, which will produce the VF 8 and VF 9 models.

ArcelorMittal first sent VinFast a letter in November 2022 asserting it was violating its patents but said VinFast has not sought a license. The company said it believes the VF 3, VF 6, VF 7, and VF 9 also infringe on its patents.

ArcelorMittal purchased a VinFast VF 8 vehicle in May 2023 and then tested it as part of its patent infringement suit.

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https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-itc-probes-arcelormittal-complaint-that-vinfast-violated-aluminum-patents-2024-05-20/