Mondragon Assembly says it has successfully enforced its Continuous Stringing patents against unauthorized use by 4 major Chinese tabber stringer suppliers
The company says it holds patents for the technology in China, the US, and other countries
Mondragon warns that PV module manufacturers using unlicensed equipment, especially in the US, may face patent infringement risks
It is now offering licensing options to US module manufacturers and stresses its aim is to support industry growth while protecting intellectual property
Mondragon Assembly, the Spain-headquartered solar module equipment producer, says it has successfully enforced intellectual property rights covering its proprietary Continuous Stringing technology. It has secured favorable outcomes against unauthorized use of its patented technology by 4 unnamed major Chinese tabber stringer suppliers.
The Spanish group says it holds Continuous Stringing patents in China (CN 103681908 B) and the US (U.S. Patent No. 8,748,212), along with other countries. Without its express authorization, the sale and use of tabber stringer equipment with Continuous Stringing technology is prohibited.
As the name suggests, Continuous Stringing technology enables the interconnection of solar cells in a uniform and precise manner. Mondragon says its technology can boost cell manufacturing productivity/hour by 15%.
Without proper licensing, stresses the equipment maker, PV module manufacturers that import or operate tabber stringer equipment subject to these rulings, especially in the US, may face patent infringement risk.
“To that end, Mondragon Assembly will provide US module manufacturers currently utilizing infringing equipment the opportunity to obtain licenses for its Continuous Stringing intellectual property through the establishment of ongoing commercial relationships,” stated the Spanish company.
It adds that signing licensing and commercial agreements with the patent owner early on, in this case Mondragon, can help US module manufacturers avoid potential problems in the downstream value chain. The company has urged an early outreach for such module makers. In 2020, China’s Autowell Technology secured a license from Mondragon for its Continuous Stringing system.
“Mondragon Assembly emphasizes that its objective is not to inhibit the growth of the U.S. PV module manufacturing industry, nor to retroactively penalize manufacturers. Rather, the company is committed to supporting industry advancement while ensuring respect for intellectual property,” added the PV equipment producer.
In 2023, Mondragon took legal action against 2 Chinese competitors for infringing on its Continuous Stringing technology. Chinese courts upheld Mondragon’s claim, while the infringers were ordered to stop production and sale of continuous string machines and indemnify the company.
