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Ford Sues Autel For Hacking, Copying Database


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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.

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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.

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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.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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.

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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

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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