Electrical balance of systems solution provider Shoals Technologies Group filed patent infringement complaints in 2023 against Hikam America and Voltage, alleging that the two companies were importing infringing products into the United States under Sec. 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Shoals said the companies were infringing on patents for solar panel connectors (U.S. Patent Nos. 10,553,739 and 10,992,254), specifically Shoals’ Big Lead Assembly (BLA) connectors and wire harnesses.
Credit: Shoals
Shoals later added U.S. Patent No. 11,689,153 B2 for improved connectors to its complaint against Voltage.
This month, the International Trade Commission ruled to remove one of Shoals asserted patents (the ‘739 patent) from the scope of its investigation. Both the ‘254 and ‘153 patents are still included in the investigation against Voltage. The evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin with a pre-hearing conference on March 15, with the hearing beginning on March 18.
“Both the ‘739 and ‘153 patents remain active and valid,” said Brandon Moss, CEO of Shoals Technologies Group. “We plan to appeal the ruling related to the ‘739 patent while also pursuing our cases in district court. We will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our intellectual property rights.”
The ruling to remove the ‘739 patent from the ITC evidentiary hearing’s scope does not impact the pending district court cases filed by Shoals. These cases, filed against Voltage in the Middle District of North Carolina and against Hikam in the Southern District of California, will be litigated by Shoals Technologies Group irrespective of the outcome of the ITC case.
Shoals has also recently received Notices of Allowance for two patent applications, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 18/341,655 and 18/523,464, both of which pertain to Shoals’ BLA technology, which stands as a key differentiator in the market. Upon issuance, Shoals will carefully assess whether Voltage is infringing either of these newly granted patents.
Shoals will continue to assert its rights to pursue resolutions that uphold its position as an industry leader and safeguard its innovations and contributions.
“Shoals Technologies Group is committed to investing in U.S. manufacturing, driving progress in the solar industry and delivering cutting edge solutions for our customers,” added Moss.
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