With the action filed by JinkoSolar against LONGi Green Energy on 14 February 2025 with the Unified Patent Court (UPC), the ongoing patent disputes between the two Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers are being heard on European soil for the first time. RGTH represents JinkoSolar in the proceedings.
In the case of JinkoSolar vs. LONGi Green Energy, the alleged infringement of European Unitary Patent EP4372829 relating to solar cells, their manufacturing processes, and photovoltaic modules is at issue. The patent concerns so-called n-type TOPCon technology, which enables particularly high-performance solar cells.
In addition to holding numerous patents worldwide for TOPCon technology, JinkoSolar also owns European Unitary Patent EP4372829 covering the distribution and manufacture of TOPCon solar modules in Europe. The manufacturer considers its patent rights to be infringed by its competitor LONGi, which also sells TOPCon modules in Europe.
JinkoSolar’s specific claims against LONGi include:
- Cessation of the patent infringement by immediately discontinuing use of the technology.
- Compensation for the economic losses caused by the patent infringement.
Update of 11 July 2025
On 20 June 2025, JinkoSolar filed an additional action before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) against one of LONGi Green Energy’s Unitary Patents. The challenged patent, EP 3 297 043 B1, relates to a solar cell technology referred to by LONGi as “HPBC 2.0 back-contact technology”.
RGTH represents the claimant before the Unified Patent Court
For RGTH, the case is groundbreaking in two respects. First, it is the first infringement action in which two of the leading Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers are litigating before a European court. Together with JinkoSolar, RGTH assumes the role of the “underdog”, challenging the main competitor with a significantly larger market share. The mandate therefore also reflects recognition of RGTH’s reputation in all matters of patent law.
The Unified Patent Court (UPC) was established only in June 2023 as a new court system serving as the central authority for disputes relating to European Unitary Patents.
Patent disputes as an indicator of innovation pressure in the photovoltaic industry
The action before the Unified Patent Court is already the fifth set of proceedings initiated by JinkoSolar against LONGi Green Energy. Since December 2024, JinkoSolar has brought actions against LONGi before the Suzhou Intermediate Court and the Nanchang Intermediate Court (China), the Tokyo District Court (Japan), and the Federal Court of Australia.
LONGi, for its part, filed actions against JinkoSolar in February 2024 before the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in Shandong (China) and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (USA).
TOPCon technology (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is considered one of the most innovative technologies in the field of solar cells. It makes it possible to significantly increase the energy efficiency of solar cells, thereby enabling the manufacture of photovoltaic modules with substantially higher rated output. In the highly competitive photovoltaic market, the use of this technology represents a decisive competitive advantage.
Update of 11 July 2025
HPBC stands for Hybrid Passivated Back Contact. Version 2.0 is a further development of this back-contact solar cell technology, in which all electrical contacts are placed on the rear side of the cell. This allows for greater light absorption on the front side and thus improved energy conversion.
In March 2025, LONGi received the EUPD Research Top Innovation Award in the “Modules” category for HPBC 2.0.
RGTH: Competent representation in patent disputes
The patent attorneys at RGTH advise and represent patent proprietors in all disputes relating to the Unitary Patent. With many years of experience and in-depth industry expertise, we support you in your matter and represent your interests before the Unified Patent Court.
Disclaimer: The information provided above does not constitute legal advice. No guarantee is given as to its accuracy or completeness.