Longi rejects Hanwha Q Cells allegations and provides details on patent issue

[PV Magazine] The Chinese monocrystalline module maker said it had not been notified of the legal action by its Korean rival. Longi claimed there is considerable uncertainty over the validity of the patents at the root of the lawsuits, which the Chinese defendant says relate to ALD technology. Longi says it uses PECVD technology for cell production.

Hanwha on Tuesday said it had filed lawsuits with the U.S. International Trade Commission (US ITC) and the U.S. District Court in Delaware claiming Longi, Jinko and Norwegian module manufacturer REC infringed its U.S. Patent No. 9,893,215, by using Hanwha’s passivation technology to increase the efficiency and performance of their solar cells.

 

“The patent family used by Hanwha Q Cells in the complaint is acquired through multiple transfers and transactions from other research institutes; [which] act as a co-owner to the patents,” Longi said. “Currently, several opposition procedures against the patents have been filed, at least in Europe, and there is considerable uncertainty with regards to the validity of the patent rights.”

Source: PV Magazine LINK