Leading manufacturers LONGi and JinkoSolar have ended all global patent disputes, entering a cross-licensing agreement for core technologies.
In a significant development for the global photovoltaic (PV) industry, solar giants LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and JinkoSolar Co., Ltd. have reached a comprehensive global settlement to end all ongoing patent disputes and legal proceedings. The agreement, which includes a cross-licensing arrangement for selected core patents, marks a pivotal moment in the industry.
For over a year, the two companies, global leaders in solar module manufacturing, had been embroiled in a series of patent infringement lawsuits spanning across major markets including China, the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia. The disputes largely centered on competing solar cell technologies—JinkoSolar's tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology and LONGi's back contact (BC) technology. The legal conflict had become a symbol of the industry's shift from purely price-driven competition to a new phase of technological and intellectual property battles.
Under the terms of the settlement, all worldwide patent litigation between the two companies and their affiliates will be terminated. The most notable aspect of the deal is the commercial arrangement that allows for the cross-licensing of core patents. While the specific details of the licensed patents were not disclosed, this agreement allows both companies to legally utilize key technological innovations without fear of further litigation.
The ongoing legal battles were not only expensive but also created a climate of uncertainty, hindering technological progress. This resolution will free up resources previously spent on litigation, allowing both companies to rededicate their efforts to research and development (R&D).
In a joint statement, both LONGi and JinkoSolar emphasized that the settlement is a shared recognition of the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection and a long-term commitment to fostering sustainable innovation. The companies expressed confidence that the agreement will encourage broader R&D engagement across the industry and contribute to a "virtuous cycle of innovation and competition."
The settlement comes at a challenging time for the solar industry, which is grappling with issues of oversupply and declining prices. The costly and prolonged legal disputes were adding to the financial strain on companies. By opting for cooperation, LONGi and JinkoSolar are setting a precedent for resolving technology disputes through collaboration rather than conflict. This new paradigm could lead to a healthier and more orderly intellectual property ecosystem, fostering a new era of growth driven by shared technological advancement and strategic partnerships.
