JinkoSolar and Longi announced that they and their affiliates have reached a global settlement covering all ongoing patent litigation. The agreement concludes lawsuits in China, the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia, while establishing a commercial arrangement that includes cross-licensing of selected core patents.

Both companies highlighted the settlement as evidence of their commitment to intellectual property protection and cooperation within the solar industry. They emphasized continued investment in research and development, faster commercialization of advanced technologies, and the possibility of broader collaboration.

The resolution follows more than a year of disputes between the two firms over solar cell technologies. Jinko supported tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology, while Longi promoted back contact (BC) technology. The conflict had come to symbolize the sector’s transition from price-focused competition to legal contests centered on patent portfolios and technological leadership.

The dispute intensified after Jinko acquired 745 patents from South Korea’s LG Group in 2022, strengthening its position in both TOPCon and BC areas. Following this acquisition, Jinko filed multiple infringement cases. These included lawsuits in China and Japan claiming Longi products infringed TOPCon patents, as well as legal actions in Europe and Australia seeking to limit the distribution of Longi’s BC modules.

In response, Longi pursued counterclaims based on its nearly 200 patents related to BC technology. The company filed suits against Jinko in the United States and China, alleging violations of its BC designs. Longi also initiated proceedings to challenge the validity of Jinko’s patents in Europe and the United States. At the same time, it accelerated the rollout of BC products, which achieved notable market traction in Europe, highlighting the commercial importance of the dispute.

The settlement marks a turning point, as both companies aim to shift focus from legal confrontation to practical cooperation. The cross-licensing arrangement is expected to reduce immediate legal risks while allowing both parties to leverage core innovations. Industry observers see this as part of a broader move to balance intellectual property protection with collaboration that supports overall technological progress.

In a joint statement, Jinko and Longi said they would “explore opportunities for deeper cooperation” in the future. This opens the possibility for collaboration between the two largest global solar manufacturers in next-generation solar cell development.

The agreement demonstrates how leading companies in the renewable energy sector are adapting their strategies. Instead of prolonged disputes, they are pursuing pathways that combine intellectual property rights with shared advancement. For Jinko and Longi, the settlement provides stability while reinforcing their commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in global solar markets.

by pv-magazine