JA Solar initiates patent infringement proceedings in Germany

Chinese solar module manufacturer JA Solar has filed patent infringement complaints against an unnamed competitor before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Germany. The complaints, lodged with the Munich and Hamburg Local Divisions of the UPC, concern the competitor’s TOPCon solar modules, alleging infringement of JA Solar’s patents EP 2 787 541 B1 and EP 4 092 759 B1.

JA Solar highlighted that TOPCon, or “tunnel oxide passivated contact,” is a standard technology for crystalline silicon solar cells. Patent EP 2 787 541 B1, valid until 2034, covers the layer structure of TOPCon cells, including an ultra-thin tunnelling silicon oxide layer and a thin highly doped polysilicon layer that enhances efficiency by reducing recombination effects. This patent is validated in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and the UK.

Patent EP 4 092 759 B1, valid until 2035, addresses the arrangement of electrodes on solar cells and the leads connecting PV panel cells. It is part of a larger patent family and is enforceable across all contracting member states of the UPC.

The UPC, established last year, is a supranational patent court for 17 EU member states, handling European patent infringement and revocation cases. A ruling from the UPC applies directly in the ratifying member states.