The court’s decision upholds the innovation of a patented braking technology critical for vehicle safety, driving the future of automated driving and ABS control.

Pfäffikon, Switzerland – February 19, 2025  — IPGATE AG is pleased to announce a significant victory in the German Federal Supreme Court (BGH) regarding the validity of the German patent DE102005063659.

Originally challenged in December 2020 by a large German corporation, the patent was partially invalidated by the Federal Patent Court in September 2022, limiting the scope of the original claims. However, the German Federal Supreme Court overturned this decision, validating a much broader scope of the claims. This decision underscores the innovative contribution of the patent, particularly in terms of its importance for vehicle braking systems.

What Makes This Innovation Significant?

The patent, developed by Heinz Leiber and his son, Dr. Thomas Leiber, is part of a broader patent family with 8 family members and 11 independent claims including several related patents for braking technologies worldwide. The 572 citations of this patent family in recent patent applications underscore its importance in the field of vehicle safety.

The key innovation involves a precise and dynamic control of braking pressure (PPC: Piston Pressure Control) using a highly dynamic BLDC motor. This is fundamental to the latest advancements in automated driving and safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

Why Is This Important for Automotive Safety?

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) = Faster Stops, Safer Roads

We pioneered AEB by integrating a highly dynamic electric motor and advanced control system. This allows the car to brake automatically, achieving full deceleration in just 50–150 milliseconds, stopping the vehicle much faster and reducing accidents. This breakthrough is as game-changing as ABS (1978) and ESP (1995) were in their time.

Fail-Safe Brake-by-Wire System with Multiple Redundancy Layers

Our breakthrough technology integrates brake boosting and ABS into a single unit while also ensuring a backup system in case the secondary brake system fails. With multiple redundancy layers, this innovation enhances safety and reliability, making autonomous and modern vehicles more secure and giving drivers and passengers an extra layer of protection on the road.

Several Market Leaders Already Licensing This Technology

In response to the proven benefits of this patented technology, several major Tier 1 suppliers in the automotive industry in Europe and Asia have already licensed our technology for their one-box and two-box braking systems. This widespread adoption by key players further validates the importance and relevance of the technology in enhancing vehicle safety and performance in the global automotive market.

A Bright Future for Collaboration

With over 20 years of research and development, IPGATE AG has built a strong portfolio of intellectual property rights in brake technology. This decision lays a firm foundation for future partnerships with automotive manufacturers seeking to enhance vehicle safety and performance.

“We are very pleased with this decision, which reinforces the significance of our innovation and its potential to revolutionize the automotive industry,” said Thomas Leiber, co-inventor and Founder of IPGATE AG. “This victory not only validates the innovative nature of our technology but also strengthens our commitment to advancing vehicle safety, efficiency, and the future of automated driving.”

We welcome automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology innovators to partner with us by exploring licensing opportunities for our groundbreaking braking systems. Together, we can accelerate the future of vehicle safety, performance, and autonomous driving.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact Dr. Petra Simoncic, Head of Intellectual Property at IPGATE AG, to learn more.

About IPGATE AG: IPGATE AG, based in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, is a leading provider of advanced braking technologies for the automotive industry. With over 400 granted and pending patents, we specialize in eMobility, Autonomous Driving, ePedal, and Single-Source Chassis Control. Our flexible licensing models make these innovations accessible to vehicle and brake system manufacturers.

Founded in 2005, we are committed to driving safety, sustainability, and cost-effective innovation in automotive systems.

Media Contact:

Dr. Petra Simoncic
Head of Intellectual Property
IPGATE AG
Phone: +41 79 157 9670
Email: petra.simoncic@ipgate.ch
Website: https://ipgate.ch/