BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyundai, the South Korean automaker that has emphasized its desire to develop more eco-friendly vehicles, is headed to U.S. District Court in Baltimore next week to face charges that its hybrid vehicles are infringing on patented technology developed by Paice LLC.

“It’s important for us to protect the valuable hybrid technology that Paice invented”

Paice, a small technology company responsible for inventing the method of control for highly effective, fuel efficient hybrid electric vehicles, filed the patent infringement lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia in February 2012 after unsuccessfully trying to negotiate a licensing agreement. The complaint claims that the South Korean automakers are selling hybrid vehicles, including the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Kia Optima Hybrid, that infringe on patented technology developed by Paice.

“It’s important for us to protect the valuable hybrid technology that Paice invented,” said Robert Oswald, chief executive officer of Paice and a 50-year veteran of the automotive industry. “I regret that we were forced to take this case to court. We would prefer to license our technology to automakers like Hyundai, but we will do whatever is necessary to vigorously defend our inventions.”

About Paice

Paice has been at the forefront of hybrid technology for more than 20 years. Led by an innovative and experienced team of automotive veterans, Paice made its mark by discovering new ways to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions without sacrificing driving performance.

The company was founded in 1991 by Dr. Alex Severinsky. By developing hybrid technology before major automakers began to focus on the potential advantages associated with electrification of the powertrain, Paice's technology laid the foundation for today’s hybrid vehicles.

Today, the company has 29 U.S. and foreign patents related to hybrid vehicle technology.