First Solar investigates solar firms for TOPCon patents infringement

First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR) on Friday said it is conducting an investigation of several crystalline-silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement of its patents related to the manufacturing of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) crystalline-silicon PV solar cells.

The US thin-film photovoltaics (PV) maker acquired the patents through its acquisition of California-based startup TetraSun Inc in 2013.

The patents include issued patents in the US, Canada, Mexico, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, among other jurisdictions, as well as pending patent applications in the EU and Japan.

First Solar plans to conduct a thorough investigation of potentially infringing products and is examining several leading crystalline silicon solar manufacturers for potential infringement. “If infringement is discovered, we intend to challenge the ability of potential infringers to legally manufacture, assemble, and sell infringing TOPCon technology by pursuing enforcement, licensing, and/or other measures to safeguard our rights,” stated Jason Dymbort, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of First Solar.

“While First Solar is a world leader in the development and commercialisation of advanced thin film photovoltaics, our R&D and intellectual property portfolio spans several semiconductor platforms, including crystalline silicon, as we pursue multiple pathways towards our goal of developing the next transformative, disruptive solar technology,” Dymbort also said.

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