Solar Power: An Overview of the Patent Landscape
Given the importance of patents to protect solar IP, the rapid growth of the solar industry, and the complexity of the current patent landscape, we strongly recommend partnering with an
Companies involved in this increased uptake of solar power need to be aware of patents not just where they are ultimately used, but also where they manufacture and assemble panels and their components. This is reflected in patenting trends.
Given the relatively mature state of solar technology and the number of companies operating and seeking to operate in the sector, it is not surprising that there has been an increase in litigation in recent years concerning the patents underlying solar technologies. One of the most significant disputes to date has been between SolarEdge and Huawei.
SolarEdge is also involved in a global patent dispute with competitor SMA Solar Technology, in which SolarEdge is defending infringement proceedings and challenging the validity of SMA Solar's patents that also relate to inverter technology. Another separate, ongoing multi-jurisdictional dispute of note is between Hanwha Q-Cells and Longi Solar.
The patents relate to technology for the improvement of the efficiency of solar cells. The first instance decision concerning the German designation of EP 22 20 689 B1, before Regional Court of Dusseldorf, ruled in Hanwha Q-Cells' favour.
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