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2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery Over the last ten years or so, Toyota has amassed a wide-ranging assortment of more than 2,000 patents related to its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive. That's an impressive figure to be sure, and it's also a possible source of income as more and more automakers follow Toyota's lead by introducing hybrid vehicles of their own. Because Toyota has the hybrid patent market on straight lockdown, it's likely that rival automakers will be forced to license certain parts of the Japanese automaker's design, which could potentially help boost Toyota's bottom line. Says Gouichiro Kuriyama, a manager in Toyota's product planning division: Our system is the best technology for hybrids to get the best carbon dioxide emissions and best fuel economy. [Rivals] will not be able to compete . Indeed, both Ford and Nissan have licensed Toyota hybrid technology in the past. More: REPORT: Toyota hopes to boost ... details >>>