Exxon Mobil Seeks Probe of Unocal Patents

Exxon Mobil Corp. said it has filed a request with the Federal Trade Commission, asking that it investigate patents held by Unocal Corp. on reformulated gasoline. Unocal’s five patents, which closely match federal anti-smog standards required at one-third of the nation’s pumps, have been blamed for higher gasoline prices by causing refiners to eliminate or reduce their production for fear of being sued. Unocal has received $92 million for infringements over a five-month period in California from six major oil companies, including Exxon Mobil. Exxon shares closed up 64 cents at $88.19, while Unocal rose 22 cents to close at $36.72, both on the NYSE.