Maxeon Solar Technologies has taken legal action against Canadian Solar in the Eastern District of Texas, accusing the company of patent infringement. The lawsuit claims that Canadian Solar has violated Maxeon’s patents related to tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology.

Maxeon is known for its innovations in the solar industry and holds a global patent portfolio protecting its TOPCon technology. According to Marc Robinson, associate general counsel at Maxeon, the company has been at the forefront of developing and commercializing TOPCon contacts for years before the term became widely used in the industry. Maxeon’s scientists and engineers worked on implementing TOPCon technology into both back contact and front contact solar cells.

The lawsuit marks Maxeon’s first effort to enforce its patent rights in the US, and it plans to continue vigorously protecting its patents in other markets as well. With numerous patents related to TOPCon technology, Maxeon is confident that its innovations are protected by a strong global patent portfolio.