Source: https://de.scribd.com/document/377982499/Nikola-vs-Tesla
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 09:11:45+00:00

Document:
Plaintiff, OF UNITED STATES PATENT NOS.
24 patents for an electric Class 8 heavy duty truck.
release with the image of Nikola’s semi, the Nikola One.
28 3. By 9 May 2016, Elon Musk had seen the Nikola’s image of the Nikola One.
Nikola had over 80,000 visitors to its website and over 210,000 page views.
9 full value of these orders was over $2.3 billion.
15 value of the orders to over $4 billion.
18 a loss of $272,560,000.
Tesla received orders for its Semi. 10 15. fuselage.” Hoyos asked. 16 potential customers. Tesla never responded. Almost immediately. Tesla does not have any patents protecting the design of its semi-truck and has not 24 filed any applications for design patent protection. Tesla has never claimed that its design was unique. side cladding. Upon 19 information and belief. 2017. These patents protect Nikola’s wrap 28 windshield. The event was streamed online and viewed by 17 18 thousands more individuals. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 3 of 29 1 background would be a great fit. 15 California at an event and reception attended by hundreds of journalists. 3 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 13 14 16. fender. and the overall design of a semi. Tesla 6 did not have any design patents on its semi-truck. industry leaders. 4 5 13. On 16 November 2017. 25 18. Tesla’s market value jumped by roughly $2 billion after the Semi 20 unveiling. “[W]ould you be open to a quick call to 2 hear what we’re up to?” 3 12. And Tesla had not announced that it was 7 seeking this protection. Upon information and 23 belief. and Tesla employees. Tesla released a teaser image of its semi. Tesla unveiled its semi design in Hawthorne. On 28 April 2017—just shy of one year after Nikola published its design. Nikola did not respond to Tesla’s invitation. Nikola sent a letter to Tesla that identified the semi- 11 truck design features Nikola was patenting and demanded that Tesla not unveil its semi until 12 Tesla’s infringement had been resolved. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “PTO”) issued six design 26 27 patents to Nikola between February and April 2018. mid-entry door. On 28 April 2017. 21 22 17. 8 9 14. On November 7.
a unique feature in the trucking industry. and 2 Tesla copied Nikola’s patents. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Nikola One 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Tesla Semi 27 20. 28 The design is identifiable from a distance. The wrap windshield provides drivers an 4 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . The Tesla Semi design is substantially similar to Nikola’s unique design. Nikola designed the wrap windshield. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 4 of 29 1 19.
Nikola has filed to do business in Arizona. Similarly.000 plus square foot headquarters in Phoenix. 5 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 15 25. The fuselage has an aerodynamic look that is a continuous line from the front 4 5 of the vehicle through the roof.37. Tesla’s front fender copies the fender design. 3 21. and Tesla advertised the ease of access of its vehicle. PARTIES.36. Palo Alto California. Nikola has announced that it is 22 23 building a 1 million square foot manufacturing facility in Buckeye. Inc. Nikola’s front fender is distinct. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 5 of 29 1 unobstructed view of the road. 24 27. Tesla’s overall semi design copies Nikola’s patented design. Tesla copied the wrap windshield. 13 14 24. The 10 door gave the driver access to the cab without any obstacles in the driver’s way. 12 23. Nikola Corporation is a Delaware corporation with its current place of business 19 in Salt Lake City. Utah. 16 II. another first in the trucking industry. 35 28 U. It has announced that it 20 is moving its headquarters to Arizona in July and is spending over fifteen million dollars to 21 build its 130. AND VENUE 17 18 26. JURISDICTION. Tesla. the Tesla truck has a drag 7 coefficient of around 0.S. This Complaint arises under the Patent Act of the United States of America.C. Tesla’s 11 truck has a mid-entry door. § 1 et seq. Nikola has been harmed by Tesla’s infringement in excess of $2 billion. and advertised the view 2 drivers had in its vehicle. is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 25 3500 Deer Creek Road. Tesla has advertised the aerodynamic design of its vehicle. 26 27 28. The 6 Nikola One has a drag coefficient of around 0. 8 9 22. The patented design is unique in the trucking industry. Nikola designed a mid-entry door. Arizona.
Milton has started 18 19 or worked for several companies that designed alternative fuel technology for semi-trucks. Reducing the trucking industry’s reliance on fossil fuels will have a dramatic 21 impact on the world.S. FACTUAL BACKGROUND 15 A.S. § 1400(b) because Tesla sells or offers to sell 8 9 infringing products in this District and maintains a regular and established place of business 10 located within the District. 7 31. and have committed acts of patent infringement in this District.C. Professional truck drivers used almost 55 billion gallons of diesel and 22 23 gasoline in 2016. 3 30. Class 8 trucks account for seven percent of greenhouse gases worldwide. Upon information and belief. Tesla maintains two showrooms and two service 11 centers in the District. because Tesla offers its infringing product for 6 sale in this District. Venue is proper under 28 U. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 6 of 29 1 29. Tesla has offered to sell the infringing 12 product in this District. From childhood.C. Trevor Milton and Steve Jennes Designed the Nikola One. Trevor Milton wanted to revolutionize the trucking industry 17 by decreasing the trucking industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. Milton tried to combine alternative fuel technology with existing Class 8 truck 25 design. 24 34. As an adult. He then decided to build a truck from scratch that included a zero-emission fuel 26 system. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Tesla consistent with the principles of 4 5 due process and the Arizona long-arm statute. 20 33. Specifically. §§ 1331 and 1338. 27 28 6 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 16 32. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the Complaint pursuant to 28 2 U. 13 14 III.
For example. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 7 of 29 1 35. 3 In April 2015. But Milton 2 was not satisfied with his designs. Milton began designing the Nikola One in his basement in 2013. The back-and-forth continued 7 for months until Nikola finalized an overall truck design. Nikola developed a wrap windshield. he hired Steve Jennes. 26 27 42. 7 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . Jennes would develop a design. Nikola relocated the door to the 17 18 middle of the cab (a mid-entry door). 2015. a designer with over 25 years of experience. On December 30. Nikola’s design resulted in surprising outcomes. He looked for a designer with vehicle design experience. Nikola focused on the centerline and silhouette of the truck. 24 41. The mid-entry door provided drivers easier and safer 19 access to the vehicle. With the driver moving forward in the cab. 8 9 37. The goal was to 10 develop a truck with one line from the bumper to the top of the cab. Nikola moved the driver over the front wheels of the truck because there was 16 no engine block. 4 5 36. Nikola 21 22 increased the volume area of the cab by roughly 30% and decreased the coefficient of drag 23 dramatically. 20 40. Jennes and Milton went to work improving the shape and proportions of the 6 truck. Milton made changes. Nikola wanted its truck 11 to be recognized from half-a-mile away. 12 38. Nikola submitted six design patent applications that 25 covered these ornamental features and several pending utility patent applications. By the time Nikola filed its patent applications. it had spent several million 28 dollars developing the Nikola One. 15 39. The windshield provided a panoramic 13 14 view of the road and the vehicle’s surroundings.
2 3 43. Nikola tweeted an image of its semi-truck. 2016 25 reported on the Nikola One for the Green Car Reports website (available at 26 https://www.000 page views. On May 9. Nikola’s website had over 200.thedrive.pdf).greencarreports. specifically tagging Tesla. News outlets reported on the Nikola One. Between May 9 and May 16. 20 45. 8 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . For example. The Nikola One Was Unveiled To Wide Praise And Received Several Billions in Orders. 2016.com/news/3461/2-000-hp- 24 hybrid-electric-nikola-one-semi-is-a-truckers-dream).com/news/1103987_nikola-one-2000-hp-natural-gas-electric- 27 28 semi-truck-announced). Stephen Edelstein on May 17.net/ 5 nikolamotor/uploads/press_release/pdf/5/Press_Release_TRUCK_Final. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 8 of 29 1 B.cloudfront. 2016 for the website Drive that Nikola would lead to a “revolution” in 22 23 the world of long-haul trucks (available at http://www. That same 6 day. Jonathan Ramsey 21 reported on May 13. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 44. Nikola released its first picture of the Nikola One on Nikola’s 4 website and a press release touting the Nikola One (https://dxtn4vayafzin.
com/news-releases/nikola-motor-company-generates-23- 4 5 billion-in-pre-sales-in-first-month-300283523.pdf). Based on information and belief.trucks. Nikola held an unveiling event and reception for the 11 Nikola One. 23 50. in a podcast.prnewswire.3 billion in 28 revenue. 2 Nikola reported that it had received over 7. 20 Business Insider also reported on the Nikola One unveiling 21 22 (http://www. 6 47. valued at $2.” (Available at https://www. industry partners. the event has been viewed 15 over 1. 26 27 51. Nikola’s total reservations are currently worth more than $6.com/nikola-one-hydrogen-truck-photos-features-2016-12). and described it as looking very 19 cool and “Tron-like. An 13 14 additional 7. 10 48. At that time. For 17 18 example.2 million times on YouTube. Nikola began receiving pre-orders for the Nikola One. Tesla had not filed any patent applications for its 8 9 heavy duty truck. To date. the value of Nikola’s reservations jumped to over 24 $4 billion (https://www. By June 13. 2016.com/watch?v=B52MpalkZsE). Tesla had not announced that it was going to build a heavy duty 7 truck.com/pdfs/December_1_Release.000 reservations for its truck. 16 49. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 9 of 29 1 46. customers and government 12 leaders attended the event (https://nikolamotor.com/2016/12/01/nikola-one-hydrogen-fuel-cell-electric-semi- 25 truck-debuts/).html). Many websites and news agencies reported on the Nikola One unveiling. 9 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint .3 3 billion (https://www. Over 600 members of the media. 2016. On December 1. Road Show toured the Nikola One.businessinsider.youtube. Subsequent to the unveiling.000 watched the event online that same day.
In its Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30. 4 5 C. 2016. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 10 of 29 1 52.” Tesla said that “Based on [Lynk’s] background at Nikola. There. 2017.” Tesla then asked if Lynk “would be open to a quick call to 21 hear what we’re up to?” 22 23 58. 12 56. By the time of the Nikola One unveiling. On September 22. On 20 July 2016. Tesla’s CEO. 52 days after Nikola 9 10 released its design. Nikola’s Chief Engineer. tweeted that “Tesla Semi truck 24 unveil set for September. he released a picture showing a front silhouette of the semi with its 28 headlights on. 2016. Tesla 13 14 announced in its 2016 Master Plan. By May 9 or June 13. Nikola spent millions developing its 2 vehicle. 3 53. Elon Musk released a teaser for the Tesla Semi on April 28. 2017 during a 26 27 public interview. 2016. 10 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . Tesla contacted Kevin Lynk. On April 13. Seriously next level. Tesla Announced A Semi-Truck and Offered to Sell the Semi. only 72 days after Nikola published its design.” 25 59.” 16 57. Part Deux that heady-duty trucks were “in the early 15 stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year. Tesla reported a net loss of over $293 million over three months and over 11 $575 million net loss for the six months that ended on June 30. Nikola announced that its semi will enter production in 2020. 17 18 Tesla told Lynk that “Tesla is building a new team to focus on development of heavy 19 trucks. Elon Musk. it seems like your 20 background would be a great fit. 6 54. Team has done an amazing job. Tesla had not announced that it was considering 7 building a heavy duty semi-truck. 8 55.
shipping. 2017. Tesla began accepting reservations for the 27 Semi. the semi was “actually going to have a very good gross margin . Tesla has reservations from major companies with retail. 2017. On November 7. A true and correct copy of the letter is attached as Exhibit 1. On November 16. Nikola’s belief that 18 Tesla’s Semi will infringe on the patents. On May 3. or logistic needs. The same day as the unveiling. and as a result. Nikola sent a letter 16 17 to Tesla that notified Tesla of Nikola’s pending patent applications. a “spy” photo popped up 7 on reddit of what appeared to be a Tesla Semi. Tesla has announced that it expects to release the Semi in 2019. 2017 that Tesla has accepted reservations for over 11 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 28 One analyst estimated on December 18. 3 So effectively that was just a very compelling product that has low unit cost. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 11 of 29 1 60. and demanded that Tesla refrain from unveiling its 19 Semi. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 62. 24 25 64. . the public and industry watchers 6 photographed any sighting of the Tesla Semi. After Tesla teased a picture of the Semi. 20 21 63. . Elon Musk also said that Tesla would manufacture the Semi 2 by itself.” 4 5 61. customers. 2017. industry partners. Nikola learned of the photograph. Tesla held an unveiling party and a reception for the 22 Semi attend by hundreds of journalist. 26 65. employees and 23 government leaders. 2017. . On October 2.
Tesla’s orders are worth over $215 3 million. This corresponded to a jump of roughly $2 billion in 16 Tesla’s market value. Nikola applied for design patents to protect the 24 ornamental design of the Nikola One (a peculiar or distinctive appearance. 13 14 68. 23 70. On November 1. Upon information and belief. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 12 of 29 1 1. the front fender. the side cladding. The issued patents covered the fuselage. On March 7. Tesla’s stock price was $302. Three of the patents (the “Asserted Patents”) are at issue in this case. the price was $315.000 Model 3 cars per week in 2017 and took a massive $619 million quarterly 11 loss. 4 5 66. Nikola Was Issued Six Design Patents. 12 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . Upon information and belief. 2018. Musk announced via Instagram that Tesla was using its 6 Semis to haul battery packs from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada to Tesla’s car factory in 7 California.05. the 26 27 windshield.200 Semis (http://www. Tesla uses reservation deposits to fund its 20 operations. the shape of the 25 design. Tesla’s stock price dropped from just over $321 (November 1) to less than $300 12 (November 2). 19 69.com/tesla-over-1200-pre-orders-for-new-semi- 2 2017-12/).businessinsider. and the overall semi 28 design. 8 9 67. Tesla announced that it would miss its goal of 10 producing 5. the mid-entry door. 21 22 D. at full value. or the surface decoration of the design). 2015. 2017. On December 30. In other words.99 and the day after 15 the unveiling. the market believed the Tesla Semi was worth roughly 17 18 $2 billion in discounted future profits to Tesla. A week before the unveiling.
Attached as Exhibit 3 is a true 18 and correct copy of the ‘D968 patent. The patent claims the ornamental design for a wrap 19 20 windshield. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 72.S. On March 6. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 13 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . D811. D811. Attached as Exhibit 2 is a true and correct copy 3 of the ‘D944 patent. A representative drawing of the claim is show below. Pat. One depiction of the claim is shown below. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 13 of 29 1 71. The patent claims the ornamental design of the fuselage of a semi- 4 5 truck. On March 6. Pat.S.968 (the “’D968 patent” 17 or the “Wrap Windshield Patent”) entitled Wrap Windshield. Nikola was issued U. 2018.944 (the “’D944 patent” 2 or the “Fuselage Patent”) entitled Fuselage. 2018. Nikola was issued U.
D816. A representative drawing of the claim is shown below. and interest in and to each of the Asserted Patents. On April 24. title. Nikola was issued U.S. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 74. Pat.004 S entitled Side 12 Door(s) (the “’D004 patent” or the “Side Door Patent”). The patent claims the ornamental design of a side door on 14 15 a semi-truck. Nikola owns all right. 2018. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 14 of 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 73. Attached as Exhibit 4 is a true and 13 correct copy of the ‘D004 patent. 27 28 14 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint .
4 5 76. 2017 alerting Tesla to Nikola’s 6 pending patent applications and demanding that Tesla not infringe Nikola’s patents. a 11 wrap windshield. Nikola showcased the 2 fuselage. 10 77. which include the fuselage. the windshield. The Fuselage Patent. 12 78. The Tesla Semi Is Substantially Similar to Nikola’s Patented Design. 8 9 E. 28 80. and a mid-entry door. 16 17 Nikola One Tesla Semi 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 1. the door. The Nikola One embodies the Asserted Patents. A side-by-side comparison between the two reveals that Tesla has infringed 15 Nikola’s patented truck designs. Nikola sent a letter to Tesla on November 7. 15 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . At Nikola’s unveiling event on December 1. Nikola 3 emphasized that it was obtaining patents of these features. and overall design features of the Nikola One. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 15 of 29 1 75. Tesla 7 ignored Nikola’s letter. 2016. The ‘D944 Patent claims a fuselage as depicted in the following drawing. The Tesla Semi is substantially similar to Nikola’s unique designs. 13 14 79.
The Tesla Semi has a similar fuselage to the patented design. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 82. 25 26 27 28 16 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . and has infringed 24 Nikola’s patent. The Nikola One’s fuselage embodies the Fuselage Patent. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 16 of 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 81.
Jerome Guillen. Tesla’s Chief Designer. The Nikola One has a drag coefficient of 0. 17 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint .36. the Eurostar or a bullet train. said at an event on November 25. 24 25 88. 22 87. An ordinary observer would find that the Tesla Semi fuselage is substantially 28 similar to the Fuselage Patent.38). 23 2017 in the Netherlands that the Semi looks like the TGV. Nikola explained at its unveiling event that it was designing an aerodynamic 13 truck. Tesla said at the Semi unveiling event that the Semi it was “designed to be a 18 bullet” and pointed out the “bullet shaped nose. which 20 21 is better than a Bugatti Chiron (0. Nikola has showcased that the cabin is approximately 30% larger than a 15 traditional semi-truck. 27 89. Tesla also highlighted that the Tesla Semi has a drag coefficient of 0. 16 17 85. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 17 of 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 83. Tesla further showcased the “spacious interior” and the “expansive cockpit 26 interior” based on the fuselage design.37 14 84. and that Tesla infringes Nikola’s patent.” 19 86.
2 90. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 18 of 29 1 2. The ‘D968 patent claims a wrap windshield as depicted in the following 3 drawing. The Tesla Semi also has a wrap windshield. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 92. 28 18 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 91. The Nikola One’s windshield embodies the protected design. The Wrap Windshield Patent.
Nikola 12 13 highlighted the wrap windshield as a unique design. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 19 of 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 93. Upon information and belief. 15 94. in part. no other Class 8 semi-truck had a wrap 20 21 windshield when Nikola filed its patent applications. 2017. Tesla pointed 16 17 out the wrap windshield as a feature. because of the wrap windshield. Nikola explained that the windshield 14 gave the driver panoramic views of his surroundings and the road. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . During the Nikola One unveiling event on December 1. 19 95. Tesla said that the driver has complete visibility of the 18 road the surroundings. 2016. During the Tesla Semi unveiling event on November 16.
25 26 27 28 20 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 24 97. The Mid-Entry Door Patent. an ordinary observer would find that the windshields between the 20 Tesla Semi and the Wrap Windshield Patent are substantially similar. 23 3. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 20 of 29 1 Other Semi Trucks 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 96. As such. and therefore Tesla 21 22 infringes Nikola’s patent. The ‘D004 Patent claims a mid-entry door as depicted in the following picture.
The Nikola One embodies the mid-entry design. The Tesla Semi also has a mid-entry door. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 21 of 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 98. 23 24 25 26 27 28 21 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 99.
Nikola’s research and development resulted in a semi-truck with a drag 26 coefficient of 0. at the Tesla Semi unveiling. Nikola was introducing a new semi-truck and a new 22 drivetrain and fueling technology. At the unveiling for the Nikola One on December 1. 2016. The Nikola One is an electric-hydrogen hybrid.70. Similarly. Upon information and belief. 18 103. no other semi-truck has a mid-entry door. Nikola Has Been And Will Continue To Be Harmed By Tesla’s 20 Infringement. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 22 of 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 100. With the Nikola One. Tesla noted the “easy entry and exit” of 15 the vehicle. 22 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 25 106. almost half of a standard diesel truck of 0.65-0. 14 101.37. 23 24 105. 21 104. As such. At the Nikola One unveiling event. Tesla’s door is substantially similar to Nikola’s patented design. 19 F. Nikola announced 28 that it was going to build over 360 hydrogen-fueling stations across the United States. 16 17 102. 27 107. Nikola discussed the ease of entering the 12 13 vehicle through the mid-entry door and highlighted the increased safety of the door.
16 114.000 pound truck and 20 trailer to go. 23 116.000 to $200. the Tesla Semi. service and warranty for $900. 24 117. 500 miles. Nikola is offering its Nikola One with fuel.000 6 for the first million miles. 7 111. the orders are worth over $200 million. At full value. Nikola has established its brand as a start-up. 23 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . Nikola’s success is evident in receiving tens of millions in investments from 11 dozens of investors. Analysts estimated that Tesla has received over 1. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 23 of 29 1 108. Upon information and belief. Tesla is offering an electric semi-truck. 12 and receiving orders for over 7.000. 13 14 113. Tesla offers its Semi for between $150.S. The Tesla Semi is advertised to have a 15 maximum range of 500 miles. 19 115. Tesla advertises that its Semi will take 30 minutes to charge. 2017.000 trucks. alternative fuel semi-truck 8 9 company. partnering with large trucking companies like U. A 3 diesel semi-truck takes roughly 15-20 minutes to fill. On November 16. 25 118. 10 112. like all Tesla vehicles. 2 109. The Nikola One is advertised to have a 700-1. The Tesla Semi will need large battery packs for an 80. Tesla began receiving orders from companies that 26 27 wanted to test the Tesla Semi. Xpress and Ryder. these large battery packs will 21 22 reduce the amount of cargo that a Tesla Semi can haul. Nikola estimate that it will take 15-20 minutes to fill its hydrogen fuel tank.000 mile range.200 28 reservations. Upon information and belief. needs an 17 18 aerodynamic design for its vehicle to achieve the 500 mile range estimate. 4 5 110. at most.
Steve Hanley for the blog Teslarati discusses Tesla’s 11 announcement to build a heavy duty truck and includes a picture of the Nikola one (available 12 at https://www. Tesla’s stock price was $302.teslarati.05. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 24 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . This corresponded to a jump of roughly $2 billion in Tesla’s market 4 5 value. 13 14 122. Tesla has also attracted additional investors as a result of the Tesla Semi. 2016. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 24 of 29 1 119. 3 the price was $315. Douglas Stansfield for Torque News published a piece 15 about the Elon Musk’s tweet about the Tesla Semi and included a picture of the Nikola One 16 with Tesla logo next to it (available at https://www. 8 9 121.99 and the day after the unveiling.com/3618/question-about- 17 18 specs-tesla-semi-tesla-pickup-truck-know). On April 17. Industry insiders have noted the similarities between the Nikola One and the 10 Tesla Semi.torquenews.com/tesla-semi-will-shake-trucking-industry-roots/). Tesla’s infringement has harmed Nikola’s plans by causing confusion in the 7 market. A 2 week before the unveiling. On July 21. 2017. 6 120.
trucktrend. Tesla’s design has caused confusion among customers. Quality. 2017. meaning that drivers will no longer enter the cab via the driver’s 15 seat. surrounded 16 by panoramic windows on all sides with an aero-dynamic design. Brett Evans for Truck Trend observed that “the truck looks 2 very similar to another futuristic-propulsion semi concept. causing harm to the Nikola brand. The Nikola is built 13 14 with [a] mid-cab entry.” Mr.com/future-wars-hydrogen-vs-electric-semi-trucks/) 25 125. published an article comparing the Nikola One and the Tesla 10 Semi. Tesla has had 25 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . Drivers can tell 17 18 instantaneously that this truck is not like ones they’ve seen before. 2017.com/news/1705-elon-musk- 6 teases-upcoming-tesla-semi-in-ted-talk/) 7 124.” Quality further noted 23 that “both trucks accomplish this task and do so with style. a company focused on lease purchases of 8 9 semi-trucks and equipment. 21 22 operating cost per mile. Further. “Like 19 the Nikola [the Tesla Semi] has a space-age look and feel to it. “Both the 20 Nikola and Tesla are designed to change the industry for the better by lowering emissions.” Quality further 12 reported that the Nikola was “designed with driver’s lifestyles in mind.” Quality further described the Nikola One as “a very modern looking truck. any problems with the Tesla Semi will be 28 attributed to the Nikola One. For example. (Available at http://www.” Quality also said.” a feature first 4 5 announced by Nikola. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 25 of 29 1 123. The confusion has 26 27 diverted sales from Nikola to Tesla. The article reported that Nikola and Tesla “have both revealed their perceived future 11 for trucking” that “ambitiously aim to replace diesel powered trucks. the Nikola One.” The article noted. On November 20.” (Available at 24 https://qualityco. Evans also 3 reported that Tesla would likely have “torque-vectoring electric motors. On May 1. and increasing driver safety over the road.
23 using. which will make Nikola’s product less appealing to customers. Nikola and Tesla are offering competing technology solutions (hybrid versus 11 pure electric). Nikola estimates its harm from Tesla’s infringement to be in excess of $2 17 18 billion. and/or offering to sell in the United States its Semi. Tesla’s infringement has harmed Nikola’s ability to attract investors and 15 partners because investors can now partner with Tesla to have an alternative fuel semi-truck. 22 132. 26 133. Tesla has infringed and continues to infringe the ‘D944 Patent by making. Customers will also impute the Tesla Semi’s limitations (distance and charging 8 9 time) to Nikola. Diverted sales from Nikola to Tesla will increase the cost of building the 6 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the United States. selling. the market will attribute these problems to 3 Nikola because of the similarities between the two vehicles. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 26 of 29 1 problems with its batteries starting fires and its autonomous features causing fatal accidents. 27 28 26 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 19 COUNT I 20 Infringement of the ‘D944 Patent (Fuselage Patent) 21 131. 7 127. 16 130. Nikola incorporates and realleges paragraphs 1 through 130 of this Complaint. Tesla’s infringement has been and continues to be willful. 13 14 129. 2 Should these problems arise with the Tesla Semi. which embodies the 24 25 design covered by the ‘D944 Patent. 10 128. 4 5 126. Diverting sales from Nikola to Tesla decreases the chance that Nikola’s 12 technology will be adopted as the standard for alternative fuel semi-trucks.
Nikola incorporates and realleges paragraphs 1 through 133 of this Complaint. and/or offering to sell in the United States its Semi. selling. Tesla’s infringement has been and continues to be willful. selling. directors. 12 138. Nikola requests a trial by 20 jury of all aspects properly triable by jury. which embodies the 6 design covered by the ‘D968 Patent. DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL 18 19 140. 5 using. 16 139. 17 IV. An order and judgment permanently enjoining Tesla and its officers. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 27 of 29 1 COUNT II Infringement of the ‘D968 Patent (Wrap Windshield Patent) 2 3 134. Nikola prays for relief as follows: 23 24 A. 9 COUNT III 10 Infringement of the ‘D004 Patent (Side Door Patent) 11 137. and all others acting in privity or in concert 27 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . 4 135. affiliates. employees. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38(b). servants. 7 8 136. Tesla has infringed and continues to infringe the ‘D968 Patent by making. and/or offering to sell in the United States its Semi. Tesla’s infringement has been and continues to be willful. 27 28 agents. A judgment that Tesla has infringed one or more claims of each of Nikola’s 25 asserted patents. Nikola incorporates and realleges paragraphs 1 through 136 of this Complaint. Tesla has infringed and continues to infringe the ‘D004 Patent by making. 26 B. which embodies the 15 design covered by the ‘D004 Patent. 21 V. PRAYER FOR RELIEF 22 WHEREFORE. attorneys. 13 14 using.
13 14 F. Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 28 of 29 1 with them.C. A judgment awarding Nikola all damages adequate to compensate for Tesla’s 4 5 infringement of Nikola’s asserted patents. A judgment awarding Nikola its costs pursuant to 35 U. § 289. based on 10 any infringement found to be willful. divisions. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . § 284. successors and assigns. A judgment awarding Nikola all damages including treble damages.C. § 285.C.S. estimated to be in excess of $2 billion. and their parents. Any other remedy to which Nikola may be entitled to or the Court deems just 20 and proper. 12 E. subsidiaries. 16 G. 3 C.C. § 284. pursuant to 35 U.S. and in no event less than a reasonable royalty for 6 Tesla’s acts of infringement. from further acts 2 of infringement of Nikola’s asserted patents. including all pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the 7 maximum rate permitted by law.S.S. A judgment finding that this case is exceptional and awarding Nikola its 15 attorney fees in accordance with 35 U. 8 9 D. A judgment awarding Nikola Tesla’s total profits pursuant to 35 U. 17 18 and 19 H. together with prejudgment 11 interest.
Beus Leo R. Reed Willis 7 701 North 44th Street Phoenix. AZ 85008-6504 8 Attorneys for Plaintiff 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 BGD-#224821-v1-Complaint . Case 2:18-cv-01344-GMS Document 1 Filed 05/01/18 Page 29 of 29 1 DATED this 30th day of April 2018 2 BEUS GILBERT PLLC 3 4 5 By /s/ Leo R. Beus 6 K.
Faraday & Future Inc vs Evelozcity, Inc.

References: § 1
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