Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Reported Xinjiang-linked polysilicon supply-chain concerns
Reporting examined Qcells' use of cells made with Chinese wafers supplied by TCL Zhonghuan Renewable Energy Technology and Gokin Solar. The suppliers were reported to source polysilicon from Daqo and GCL, companies listed under the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act framework. The reporting did not establish that Qcells panels containing prohibited polysilicon had entered the market.
2021
Hanwha Q Cells files patent lawsuits against Astronergy
Lawsuit filed
Hanwha Q Cells filed lawsuits against Astronergy in Germany and France, alleging that Astronergy used its patented technology to improve solar-cell efficiency.
Stated objective. The lawsuits aim to promote sound competition in research and development and contribute to the development of the solar power industry, according to Hanwha Q Cells’ CTO.
Source excerpt
The Korean solar company is complaining about Astronergy’s misdeed of stealing its patented technology that improves the efficiency of solar cells.
As per The Korea Herald, Hanhwa Q Cells filed the lawsuits on March 12 but this was done separately since it involves two different countries.
2020
Düsseldorf court issues patent determination concerning JinkoSolar modules
Ruling
The Regional Court of Düsseldorf issued a patent determination concerning certain JinkoSolar-branded modules. The court determined that third-party cell technology used in these modules, which are no longer in production, infringes a patent held by Hanwha Q CELLS. JinkoSolar stated that it disagreed with the determination and would appeal. The event concerns a patent dispute over module cell technology and the court's finding regarding infringement of a Hanwha Q CELLS patent.
The Regional Court of Düsseldorf determined that third-party cell technology in certain JinkoSolar-branded modules that are no longer in production infringes a patent held by Hanwha Q CELLS. JinkoSolar said it disagreed and would appeal.
Source excerpt
JinkoSolar believes the Düsseldorf court came to an erroneous conclusion and will appeal the decision.
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today responded to the Regional Court of Düsseldorf's recent determination concluding that third-party cell technology contained in certain JinkoSolar modules, no longer in production, infringes a patent held by Hanwha Q CELLS.
Importantly, the scope and impact of the Düsseldorf court's decision is limited to Germany.
2020
ITC finds Longi products do not infringe Hanwha Q-Cells patent
Ruling
The US International Trade Commission issued its final result in investigation 337-TA-1151, finding that Longi products did not infringe Hanwha Q-Cells' patent and did not violate Section 337; it terminated the investigation.
Source excerpt
2020年6月3日（美国时间），美国国际贸易委员会（ITC）发布337-TA-1151案最终调查结果，裁定：公司产品不侵犯韩华Q-Cells专利权（专利号：US9893215号），未违反337条款，终止调查。
On June 3, 2020, the Commission issued its final determination in JinkoSolar's favor, affirming the Administrative Law Judge's initial determination in April, which was based on analysis of detailed, expert testimony, that JinkoSolar's products do not infringe Hanwha's patent.
today announced that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ("Federal Circuit") issued a Rule 36 summary affirmance agreeing with the International Trade Commission's ("ITC") conclusion that JinkoSolar's products do not infringe a patent asserted by Hanwha Q CELLS ("Hanwha").