Trinasolar US Secures ITC Investigation into Canadian Solar’s Alleged Patent Infringement

Trinasolar US, a global leader in smart solar products and solutions, has announced that the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to institute an investigation as to Trina’s patent infringement complaint against a number of Canadian Solar, Inc. entities (“Canadian Solar”). 

Having considered Trina’s complaint, filed on October 23, 2024, the U.S. government ordered an investigation of whether Canadian Solar is in violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. In particular, the investigation will examine whether Canadian Solar infringed Trina’s TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cell technology patents. Trina has requested that the ITC issue a Limited Exclusion Order to bar importation and Cease and Desist Orders to bar further sales and marketing in the United States of solar cells, modules, panels, and components that infringe Trina’s patents.

“Trina appreciates the ITC’s decision to investigate the unauthorized use of our patented technology,” said Steven Zhu, president of Trinasolar US. “We are pleased our patent infringement complaint is being taken seriously, and we look forward to the final determination by the ITC.”

The U.S. ITC Notice of Institution of Investigation can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/09/2024-28832/certain-topcon-solar-cells-modules-panels-components-thereof-and-products-containing-same-ii-notice

In addition to this action at the ITC, Trinasolar has filed a separate patent infringement suit relating to TOPCon technology pending against Canadian Solar in the District of Delaware.  Trinasolar is also seeking injunctive relief in a separate ITC investigation as to patent infringement of TOPCon technology that was instituted on November 5, 2024, against a number of Runergy and Adani entities.