The solar manufacturing industry continues to witness an increasing number of patent disputes, with major players such as LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., JinkoSolar Holding Co., and Waaree Energies currently engaged in multiple legal battles across different jurisdictions. These disputes highlight the competitive nature of the industry and the ongoing efforts by companies to protect their intellectual property.
LONGi vs. JinkoSolar
China:
LONGi has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JinkoSolar at the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in Shandong Province. The case, which has been accepted by the court, is set to go to trial on March 20, 2025. While LONGi has requested an immediate halt to the production, sale, and offers related to the allegedly infringing products, the company has not disclosed specific details regarding the patents in question.
Australia:
JinkoSolar has initiated legal proceedings against LONGi in the Federal Court of Australia, alleging that LONGi has infringed its solar cell technology patents. The first hearing for this case is scheduled for February 21, 2025.
Japan:
A JinkoSolar subsidiary, Shangrao Xinyuan Yuedong Technology Development Company, has also filed a lawsuit against LONGi in Japan. The case revolves around patents related to solar module design and the interconnection of solar cells within a module. However, Jinko has not specified which of its subsidiary’s patents have been infringed upon.
JinkoSolar vs. Waaree Energies
United States:
In another legal development, two subsidiaries of JinkoSolar—Shanghai JinkoSolar Green Energy Enterprise Management and Zhejiang JinkoSolar—have filed a lawsuit against Indian solar manufacturer Waaree Energies in the United States. The case, which was filed in the District Court for the Southern District of Texas, concerns patent US11,824,136. This patent, titled “Solar Cell, Manufacturing Method Thereof, and Photovoltaic Module,” was acquired by Jinko in 2023. Jinko alleges that Waaree has infringed upon this patent, specifically related to its n-type TOPCon solar cell technology.
Industry Context and Recent Trends
The increase in patent-related lawsuits is indicative of the competitive pressures within the solar industry. With module manufacturers operating in an environment of price fluctuations and market shifts, companies are leveraging intellectual property litigation as a strategy to protect their technological advancements and market share.
Just this week, four new cases have emerged, adding to the growing number of patent disputes. In addition to the legal battles involving LONGi, JinkoSolar, and Waaree Energies, Chinese manufacturer Trina Solar has also filed a lawsuit against Canadian Solar and one of its subsidiaries.
Conclusion
As the solar industry continues to evolve, intellectual property disputes are expected to remain a prominent issue. These legal actions highlight the ongoing efforts by manufacturers to assert their rights over technological innovations and maintain their competitive standing. The outcomes of these cases may have significant implications for the global solar market, influencing future business strategies and technological advancements.
Note: The article aims to provide an update on the latest patent disputes in the solar industry. It is intended solely for informational purposes and does not take any stance on the legitimacy of any claims made by the involved parties.
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