GreenergyDaily

Mar. 4, 2025

1. Chinese solar module manufacturer LONGi has filed a lawsuit against Jinko Solar in the U.S., alleging that Jinko’s TOPCon and other photovoltaic modules infringe its patents. LONGi is seeking to ban Jinko’s sales of the disputed products in the U.S. and demanding compensation.

2. This is a strong counterattack by LONGi in the ongoing 'patent war' against Jinko Solar overseas. Previously, Jinko Solar had filed six patent lawsuits against LONGi in China, Japan, and Australia, and LONGi also filed a countersuit against Jinko in Jinan, China.

3. In past two years, patent disputes among Chinese solar companies have become increasingly frequent, with patents now serving as weapons for companies to target their competitors. This reflects the rapid deterioration of the competitive ecosystem within the solar industry under extreme "involution".

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

5. Previously, Canadian Solar was also sued over patent issues and was claimed more than 1 billion RMB in damages. Now, at a time when the industry is recovering, competing over purchased patents could hinder the development of original Chinese technologies, Qu noted.

6. He urged stakeholders to remain vigilant against the risk of vicious competition, especially as financial and operational difficulties weigh on companies during this industry cycle.