Iveco Challenges Nikola's Electric Axle Patent in Delaware Bankruptcy Court
Iveco Group and FPT Industrial have filed an objection in Delaware Bankruptcy Court against Nikola's Chapter 11 sale, claiming that Nikola improperly included patents for electric axles, co-developed during their collaboration, in the asset sale. The dispute centers on a patent for an 'Improved Drive System for an Electric Vehicle,' which FPT asserts cannot be transferred without their consent, potentially impacting the maintenance of Nikola Tre Fuel Cell trucks acquired by Hyroad Energy.
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On January 13, 2026, Iveco Group and FPT Industrial filed an objection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware against Nikola's Chapter 11 sale. They contest that Nikola's asset sale includes patents for electric axles co-developed during their collaboration.
The objection centers on a patent for an 'Improved Drive System for an Electric Vehicle,' linked to the eAxle system by FPT Industrial. The patent was filed in multiple jurisdictions, including Italy in November 2020, and has received indications of grant.
Iveco asserts Nikola cannot unilaterally transfer patent rights without FPT's consent. Additionally, FPT claims it has covered costs to maintain patent applications since 2022, which indicates substantial ownership.
The objection argues that the patents were improperly included in the sale to Hyroad Energy post-auction. The dispute affects the continuity of Nikola Tre Fuel Cell trucks acquired by Hyroad, which impacts parts management and maintenance.
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