Electrical stability of techniques answer supplier Shoals Applied sciences Group filed patent infringement complaints in 2023 in opposition to Hikam America and Voltage, alleging that the 2 corporations had been importing infringing merchandise into the USA below Sec. 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Shoals mentioned the businesses had been infringing on patents for photo voltaic panel connectors (U.S. Patent Nos. 10,553,739 and 10,992,254), particularly Shoals’ Huge Lead Meeting (BLA) connectors and wire harnesses.
Credit score: Shoals
Shoals later added U.S. Patent No. 11,689,153 B2 for improved connectors to its criticism in opposition to Voltage.
This month, the Worldwide Commerce Fee dominated to take away one in every of Shoals asserted patents (the ‘739 patent) from the scope of its investigation. Each the ‘254 and ‘153 patents are nonetheless included within the investigation in opposition to Voltage. The evidentiary listening to is scheduled to start with a pre-hearing convention on March 15, with the listening to starting on March 18.
“Each the ‘739 and ‘153 patents stay lively and legitimate,” mentioned Brandon Moss, CEO of Shoals Applied sciences Group. “We plan to attraction the ruling associated to the ‘739 patent whereas additionally pursuing our circumstances in district court docket. We are going to proceed to take all crucial steps to guard our mental property rights.”
The ruling to take away the ‘739 patent from the ITC evidentiary listening to’s scope doesn’t affect the pending district court docket circumstances filed by Shoals. These circumstances, filed in opposition to Voltage within the Center District of North Carolina and in opposition to Hikam within the Southern District of California, shall be litigated by Shoals Applied sciences Group no matter the result of the ITC case.
Shoals has additionally not too long ago acquired Notices of Allowance for 2 patent purposes, U.S. Patent Software Nos. 18/341,655 and 18/523,464, each of which pertain to Shoals’ BLA know-how, which stands as a key differentiator out there. Upon issuance, Shoals will rigorously assess whether or not Voltage is infringing both of those newly granted patents.
Shoals will proceed to claim its rights to pursue resolutions that uphold its place as an trade chief and safeguard its improvements and contributions.
“Shoals Applied sciences Group is dedicated to investing in U.S. manufacturing, driving progress within the photo voltaic trade and delivering leading edge options for our clients,” added Moss.
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