The PTAB has ruled that Maxeon’s asserted patents were invalid, deciding in favor of Canadian Solar
All patent infringement claims filed by Maxeon against Canadian Solar in the US have been dismissed
Canadian Solar said the decision reinforces its technology base and approach to respecting intellectual property
Canadian Solar has secured a victory against Maxeon Solar Technologies’ patent infringement claims, as these were considered ‘invalid’ by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The PTAB ruled in favor of Canadian Solar in its Final Written Decisions, dismissing all Maxeon claims against the former for alleged infringement of patents.
Maxeon has filed patent infringement lawsuits against a number of global solar PV manufacturers, including against Canadian Solar in March 2024 through Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd. It accused the Canada-headquartered solar manufacturer of infringing on its TOPCon solar cell technology related patents (see Maxeon Alleges Patent Infringement By Canadian Solar).
Canadian Solar welcomed the PTAB decision, which it says demonstrates the company’s technological foundation and its mature legal capabilities.
“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. At the same time, we firmly oppose the misuse or weaponization of patents—particularly those lacking patentability or practical value—which can distort competition and impede genuine innovation,” said Canadian Solar President Colin Parkin (see Canadian Solar Names Colin Parkin As President).
Maxeon had previously filed a patent lawsuit against Canadian Solar in Japan for shingled solar cell modules. Both companies reached a settlement agreement with the latter agreeing to discontinue selling its shingled cell modules in Japan till Q2 2025 (see Maxeon Solar & Canadian Solar Reach Settlement).
Singapore-headquartered Maxeon filed similar patent infringement lawsuits against various companies, including AIKO, Tongwei Solar, Hanwha Qcells, and REC Solar. With Tongwei, it reached an agreement while withdrawing its Netherlands appeal against AIKO after the Hague Court of Appeal ruled against it, opting for the Unified Patent Court for enforcement (see Hague Court Rules Against Maxeon in Solar Patent Appeal).