Manufacturer Maxeon Solar Technologies has filed a complaint with the Munich Regional Court I in Germany, targeting Aiko Solar and several distribution companies for alleged infringement of a European patent concerning its back contact solar module technology. The case focuses on Aiko’s second and third generation products currently marketed in the European market.
Third legal action related to the same technology
The lawsuit is based on patent EP2297789B1, known as EP789, which forms part of Maxeon’s protected technology portfolio. This new case follows two earlier complaints filed in 2023 and 2024 against Aiko before German and European courts, involving two other patents from the same technology family. These proceedings reflect Maxeon’s expanded legal strategy to defend its intellectual property rights in a highly competitive sector.
In this action, Maxeon is seeking a permanent sales ban for the disputed products, disclosure of related sales data, and compensation for damages. The company is also requesting the destruction of relevant inventory held in Germany.
Four German distributors also targeted
Beyond Aiko, the complaint also names four local distributors as co-defendants: Wattkraft GmbH & Co. KG, DWH Solutions GmbH, Memodo GmbH, and Tepto GmbH. Maxeon believes that the entire distribution chain is liable for patent infringement, even if the distributors are not themselves manufacturers.
Marc Robinson, Associate General Counsel at Maxeon, stated that the new proceedings aim to highlight that legal risks related to patent violations extend beyond manufacturers. He emphasised the importance of intellectual property rights being respected across all levels of the supply chain.
Maxeon has marketed its solar products in Europe since 2007 under the SunPower brand, now licensed to TCL SunPower. The dispute with Aiko takes place amid growing tensions between Asian manufacturers and established players in the European solar market.
