Q-Cells, Involved in Patent Litigation in Germany, Signs Official Licensing Agreement with Another Module Company

Hanwha Q CELLS Signs Patent License Agreement with German Module Manufacturer

Hanwha Q CELLS' technology to reduce the gap between solar cells ＜Image source: Company website＞

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hanwha Solutions Q CELLS division announced on the 14th that it has signed a solar cell patent technology license agreement with a German solar module manufacturer. The name of the counterpart company and the royalty fees were not disclosed according to the contract.

Through this agreement, the module manufacturer gained the right to use Hanwha Q CELLS' patented technology or produce and sell solar modules applied with it. This patent relates to PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Cell) technology, which forms a reflective layer on the solar cell to reflect light passing through the cell back inside, thereby improving power generation efficiency. Hanwha Q CELLS produces high-efficiency and high-quality modules using this technology, including the Quantum Duo Z technology.

This license agreement is notable because a lawsuit concerning this patent is currently underway in a German local court. Hanwha Q CELLS is pursuing litigation against competitors to protect this patent. In June last year, the D?sseldorf District Court ruled in favor of Hanwha in a patent infringement lawsuit filed against three competitors. The defendants were prohibited from importing and selling the infringing products in Germany and were obligated to recall infringing products distributed after January 30, 2019.

An employee is inspecting equipment related to solar modules at Hanwha Q CELLS' Technology Innovation Center in Germany.

The lawsuit is currently in the appeals process. In March, Hanwha Q CELLS filed additional lawsuits against multiple companies in Germany and France to protect the same patent. In June, with permission from the Rotterdam District Court in the Netherlands, Hanwha Q CELLS seized solar modules from Longi Solar stored in a local logistics company’s warehouse. They secured evidence that products suspected of infringing Q CELLS' patent were being imported into countries where the patent is registered and applied for seizure.

The company evaluated that this license agreement once again recognized its technological capabilities overseas. Regardless of the ongoing lawsuit results, the patent validity and technological excellence were acknowledged by various customers. Jung Ji-won, Chief Technology Officer (CTO, Vice President) of Hanwha Q CELLS, said, "This agreement is recognition of the achievements made through continuous research and development," adding, "We will continue to contribute to the development of the solar industry and the creation of a fair competitive environment, becoming a leading comprehensive green energy solutions company in the global market."