Key Takeaways:
- Canadian Solar has won a patent infringement case against Maxeon, with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ruling that all claims asserted by Maxeon are invalid.
- The case was related to an unspecified TOPCon solar cell technology.
- Canadian Solar has emphasized its commitment to protecting intellectual property and opposing the misuse of patents.
- Maxeon had previously sued Canadian Solar in Japan for patent infringement, and the two companies reached a settlement agreement in 2022.
- Canadian Solar has faced similar patent claims in the United States, and Maxeon has also sued other companies for alleged patent infringement.
Introduction to the Case
The patent infringement case between Canadian Solar and Maxeon has been a significant development in the solar industry. Canadian Solar, a Chinese-Canadian solar module manufacturer, announced a "decisive victory" in the patent litigation proceedings against Singapore-based competitor Maxeon. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ruled in favor of Canadian Solar, stating that all claims asserted by Maxeon against Canadian Solar relating to alleged infringement of patents are invalid. This ruling is a significant win for Canadian Solar, and the company has emphasized its commitment to protecting intellectual property and opposing the misuse of patents.
Background of the Case
The case was filed by Maxeon in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in March 2024, and it involved an unspecified TOPCon solar cell technology. Maxeon had previously sued Canadian Solar in Japan for patent infringement in 2020, alleging that Canadian Solar Japan infringed upon its Japan Patent No. JP6642841B2, which is related to its shingled solar modules. The two companies reached a settlement agreement in April 2022. Canadian Solar has faced similar patent claims in the United States, with PV manufacturer Solaria filing three different patent infringement claims against the company, also related to the process of separating photovoltaic strips from solar cells for use in shingled modules.
Reaction from Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar president Colin Parkin stated that the final decision issued by the USPTO "once again affirms that Canadian Solar’s technology and legal teams have always respected and placed great importance on protecting both our own and our peers’ intellectual property." Parkin also emphasized that the company "firmly opposes the misuse or weaponization of patents—particularly those lacking patentability or practical value—which can distort competition and impede genuine innovation." This statement highlights Canadian Solar’s commitment to protecting intellectual property and promoting fair competition in the solar industry.
Maxeon’s Patent Infringement Claims
Maxeon has been active in filing patent infringement claims against other companies in the solar industry. In November 2023, Maxeon sued Chinese competitor Aiko Solar Energy, as well as wholesaler Memedo GmbH, for alleged patent infringement regarding a specific design related to the architecture of back contact solar cells. In May 2025, a Dutch court rejected Maxeon’s request for a preliminary injunction, and in December 2025, Maxeon expanded the legal action to Aiko and its distributors in Germany. These actions demonstrate Maxeon’s efforts to protect its intellectual property and enforce its patents in the solar industry.
Conclusion and Implications
The outcome of the patent infringement case between Canadian Solar and Maxeon has significant implications for the solar industry. The ruling in favor of Canadian Solar highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property and promoting fair competition in the industry. The case also demonstrates the complexity and challenges of patent litigation in the solar industry, where companies must navigate complex patent laws and regulations to protect their intellectual property. As the solar industry continues to grow and evolve, companies must prioritize intellectual property protection and work to promote fair competition and innovation.