CSI Solar has pledged not to initiate litigation to resolve patent disputes, according to the chairman of the Chinese photovoltaic module and battery energy storage manufacturer under Canadian Solar.

Patents have become a tool for competition among Chinese solar companies, Shawn Qu said at a forum today. "We oppose PV firms engaging in malicious competition under the guise of patent protection."

On Feb. 10, Trina Solar filed two lawsuits against CSI and its Changshu subsidiary, alleging infringement of two core patents and seeking nearly CNY1.1 billion (USD145 million) in compensation. CSI then said it conducted thorough research and analysis of the two patents and found strong evidence to prove the claims should be invalid.

The past two decades have seen China's PV industry develop with great focus, mainly due to the absence of patent disputes, Qu noted. Now, at a time when the industry is recovering, competing over purchased patents could hinder the development of original Chinese technologies, he added.

CSI places great importance on intellectual property and patents, Qu pointed out. "We respect our competitors' patents, giving them equal respect, whether purchased or original."

Over the past 24 years, CSI has accumulated more than 4,000 authorized patents.