Key Takeaways:
Shares of ELEKTROS Inc. jumped nearly 8 percent on Friday after the microcap company issued multiple press releases highlighting its lithium mining aspirations in West Africa and a dispute over its electric vehicle charging patent.
"This patent represents years of innovation, engineering, persistence, and commitment," Shlomo Bleier, CEO of ELEKTROS Inc., said in a statement from May 19. "We believe our technology has the potential to redefine the electric vehicle charging experience globally."
The company, which trades under the ticker ELEK, has been actively courting retail investors with announcements centered on two main pillars: hard-rock lithium exploration in Sierra Leone and its U.S. Patent No. 12,522,100 B1. On May 5, ELEKTROS sent a cease-and-desist notice to an undisclosed major automaker, alleging infringement of its patented charging technology.
ELEKTROS stated it is exploring licensing deals or a potential sale of the patent portfolio, a move that it claims could create substantial long-term value. The company's success hinges on its ability to either monetize its intellectual property or prove the viability of its African lithium claims in a market dominated by established giants like Albemarle and Ganfeng Lithium.
ELEKTROS has put its intellectual property at the forefront of its investor outreach. The company confirmed it expects to begin "strategic communications involving potential licensing discussions," which could include one-year lease arrangements or an outright acquisition of its patent portfolio.
The cease-and-desist notice sent on May 5 to a "major global automotive manufacturer" signals a more aggressive approach to defending its intellectual property. While the manufacturer's identity has not been disclosed, the action underscores the potential value ELEKTROS places on its charging technology as the EV market's demand for faster, more efficient charging solutions grows.
In parallel with its patent strategy, ELEKTROS is focusing on its lithium exploration opportunities in Sierra Leone. The company aims to position itself within the global EV supply chain by developing what it calls a strategically important resource.
Industry leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have repeatedly highlighted the critical role of lithium in the clean energy transition. Musk has noted that lithium costs have reached "insane levels" and that Tesla may need to enter mining and refining directly. ELEKTROS is attempting to tap into this sentiment, positioning its West African project as a ground-floor opportunity for investors, though it has not yet disclosed specific resource estimates or production timelines.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
