French organic photovoltaics (OPV) manufacturer ASCA claims to have become the largest portfolio owner of printed OPV globally with the acquisition of patents on OPV production and technology from German technology firm Merck for an undisclosed amount.
Owned by Armor Group, ASCA says this patent purchase completed at the end of 2021 triples its number of patents. It doesn't share more details about the patents acquired except that the deal involves the most relevant device- and module-related printed OPV IP portfolio, but stressed it is part of the company's strategy.
ASCA CEO Dr. Ralph Paetzold said the takeover will allow the company to grow the market further without depending on 3rd parties.
Management said ASCA wants to bring down the barriers and support the growth of the OPV market through licensing agreements with other actors in the space. "It was our clear goal that the acquisition of the IP portfolio should not constrain OPV market access for other players in this field," explained Dr. Sebastian Meier, ASCA's Vice President of Corporate Development and Partner Management. Adding, "The IP portfolio will be open for licensing in order to tear down market adoption barriers."
At the end of 2020, ASCA's organic solar cells achieved 26% efficiency in a low-light environment in partnership with Taiwanese chemical company Raynergy Tek. Following this development, the company announced increase in the performance of its OPV modules by 40% using Raynergy's semiconductor materials.
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