China Takes on Hitachi as Rare Earth Patent Ends
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Some Chinese producers of rare-earth magnets are seeking to use this month’s expiry of a key patent held by Hitachi Metals Ltd. to expand exports of the micro magnets used in products from motors to smartphones.
The expiry of a 17-year-old patent that defines the structure of such magnets paves the way for previously blocked Chinese producers to sell to U.S. customers, said Sun Baoyu, chairman of Shenyang General Magnetic Co. It’s formed an alliance with six Chinese producers to promote their products and fight Hitachi over other patents, that the Japanese company says largely prevent rivals from making magnets.