The Allegations:
Maxeon Solar has launched a patent infringement lawsuit against Canadian Solar, accusing the latter of unlawfully using Maxeon's patented Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) technology. This legal action, filed in the Eastern District of Texas, marks a significant move by Maxeon to protect its intellectual property rights in the United States.
Background:
Maxeon's TOPCon technology stands at the forefront of solar cell innovation, offering enhanced efficiency and performance. With a rich heritage in solar cell development, Maxeon has accumulated a vast portfolio of patents, including those related to interdigitated back contact (IBC), shingled hypercell, and TOPCon technology. Following its acquisition of Solaria's shingled-cell technology patents, Maxeon bolstered its intellectual property assets, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the solar industry.
Maxeon's Assertion:
Marc Robinson, Associate General Counsel at Maxeon, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and the rigorous development of its TOPCon technology. He highlighted Maxeon's pioneering efforts in implementing TOPCon technology in both back-contact and front-contact solar cells, dating back to the early 2000s. According to Robinson, Maxeon's patents encompass fundamental TOPCon solar cell architectures, underscoring the company's long-standing expertise in this domain.