Ford Sues Autel For Hacking, Copying Database

[Bradley]

One of our technicians had a conversation today with the MATCO guy and he mentioned a lawsuit regarding Autel stealing intellectual property from Ford's diagnostic software. I did some searching and found some information but requires a membership to review the entire article. Does anyone have any additional information on this? According to the tool guy it is pertaining to the "power balance" feature. We are at the point of updating our Autel and power balance is a feature that is used quite often so I am curious to learn more about this.

[ncautoshop]

I had seen something about it. Not sure that it would stop me from purchasing autel. My only thought is that they better work fast on a solution of their own just in case. http://www.law360.com/articles/582278/ford-sues-car-equipment-co-for-hacking-copying-database

 

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[Bradley]

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.law360.com%2Fip%2Farticles%2F582278%2Fford-sues-car-equipment-co-for-hacking-copying-database&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjgyODM0YzdkZTQ5NDM0MGE6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGSTvTqyQpHikNnKwFlBGjz1rElJw

 

This is a link that gives a bit more info.

[Alex]

Bradley, very interesting news. Autel is a hot scan tool on the market so it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

 

http://www.law360.com/articles/582278/ford-sues-car-equipment-co-for-hacking-copying-database Specifically, Autel's DS708 tool contains an unlawfully obtained copy of the FFData file, according to Ford. Autel's tool responds in the same manner as Ford's IDS does when "test" or "dummy" data is entered, which "conclusively demonstrates that Autel copied Ford’s proprietary database because the 'test' or 'dummy' does not correspond to any actual vehicles or parts," lawyers for Ford wrote in the complaint.

Ford is asserting claims for copyright and trademark infringement, false designation of origin, misappropriation of trade secrets, common law unjust enrichment and unfair and deceptive trade practices. The company is seeking an injunction, an order requiring Autel to destroy any allegedly infringing products, unspecified damages, attorneys' fees and other relief.

[flacvabeach]

We use Autel as well. Makes you wonder if this is just the tip of the iceberg. Are other manufacturers going to come forward?

[Gonzo]

The power balance test is one that I use all the time on my IDS. I wonder how they even got a hold of it. Hard to believe they cracked the Ford security, but I guess anything is possible.

 

I wish that ALL the info was obtainable to ALL aftermarket scanner companies. Wishful thinking... probably never happen.

[OEScanTools.com]

Some food for thought... So is it actually Ford upset over this or the company that Ford used to produce the VCMII. I will give you one guess who that is and why they are really upset.

 

Clue #1: In the aftermarket their Tools are green and they recently purchased another company for their three letter name.

[ScottSpec]

I purchased the Autel Maxisys Pro earlier this year and have had nothing but problems with it. They finally agreed to take it back a month or so ago. Since then, they have given my tool dealer and his supplier the run around, now they will not return any of my phone calls or emails. If you are considering purchasing any Autel product, I would highly recommend not buying from them.

 

Scott Folley