Xiaomi Auto has found itself embroiled in its first patent dispute since its market debut, facing off against Shandong Yanlu New Energy Vehicle Industry Co., Ltd., a company with only 20 employees that primarily manufactures low-speed electric vehicles. The latter has filed a request for invalidation against three design patents of Xiaomi Auto, concerning the rear bumper, front bumper, and headlights, which involve key design features of the Xiaomi SU7 and YU7 models. The case is set for an on-site hearing on the morning of March 26. Prior to this, Xiaomi Auto had not encountered any patent disputes. Its 'headlight' design patent adopted a 'post-grant' strategy, with the application filed in January 2023 and the patent granted in March 2025, undergoing a review period far exceeding the standard process. Two months after the patent was granted, Xiaomi Auto proactively applied for an 'Evaluation Report on Design Patent Rights,' and the China National Intellectual Property Administration has confirmed the validity of the patent.