https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/toyota-hybrid-electric-patents-royalty-free/

According to a report by Nikkei Asian Review Tuesday, Toyota will open many of its latest and greatest hybrid patents for use by other companies, royalty-free. Nikkei's report speculates that this move is born out of fear that hybrids will no longer be relevant in a world where electric cars are increasingly common.

The road to Toyota's hybrid dominance wasn't always free of bumps. One of the most challenging points involved a lawsuit by Russian engineer Alex Severinsky, which Toyota eventually settled after six years of court battles.