Defense of Innovation Continues as Maxeon Solar Technologies Initiates Unitary Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Aiko and its Partners

Rhea-AI Summary

Maxeon Solar Technologies (NASDAQ:MAXN) announced the initiation of a patent infringement lawsuit in the Düsseldorf Local Division of the Unified Patent Court (UPC) against Aiko Energy Germany GmbH, Solarlab Aiko Europe GmbH, Aiko Energy Netherlands B.V., and their European partners. The lawsuit alleges infringement of Maxeon's solar cell technology patent. Additionally, Maxeon has filed an appeal regarding a May 16, 2024, preliminary decision in the Netherlands related to another patent dispute with Aiko. Maxeon aims to enforce its European patents and seek injunctions in key solar markets, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The company remains committed to protecting its intellectual property rights.

Positive

• Maxeon is actively defending its intellectual property, showcasing its commitment to protecting its innovations.
• The company is seeking injunctions in major European solar markets, potentially limiting competitors' market presence.

Negative

• The preliminary decision by the Dutch court was not in Maxeon's favor, prompting an appeal.

Legal Expert

Maxeon Solar Technologies initiating a patent infringement lawsuit in the Unified Patent Court (UPC) is a significant legal matter. The UPC, being a common patent court for many EU member states, provides a streamlined process for handling multinational patent disputes. This move could result in an injunction against Aiko and its distributors across key European markets like Germany, France and Italy. Such an injunction could halt Aiko's sales and distribution activities in these regions, potentially disrupting their business operations and giving Maxeon a competitive advantage. The appeal concerning the Dutch court's preliminary decision also highlights Maxeon's aggressive stance in safeguarding its intellectual property. Investors should monitor the legal proceedings closely, as the outcomes could significantly impact Maxeon's market position and revenue streams in Europe.

Market Research Analyst

The initiation of this lawsuit and the appeal in the Netherlands underscore Maxeon's commitment to protecting its technological advancements. For an investor, it’s important to recognize that patents play a vital role in maintaining a company's competitive edge, especially in innovation-driven industries like solar technology. If Maxeon succeeds, it could restrict Aiko's market access in Europe, potentially increasing Maxeon's market share and enhancing revenue prospects. However, litigation can be lengthy and costly and the final outcomes are uncertain. Investors should weigh the potential benefits of a favorable judgment against the financial and operational risks associated with prolonged legal battles.

Maxeon also appeals recent preliminary decision by Dutch court in ongoing patent action against Aiko

SINGAPORE, June 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. (NASDAQ:MAXN), a global leader in solar innovation and channels, today announced that it has initiated a patent infringement lawsuit in the Düsseldorf Local Division of the Court of First Instance of Unified Patent Court (the "UPC") against Aiko Energy Germany GmbH, Solarlab Aiko Europe GmbH, Aiko Energy Netherlands B.V., and several of Aiko's European partners, including Memodo, Libra, VDH, PowerDeal, and Coenergia, alleging their infringement of a Maxeon patent relating to solar cell technology. The UPC is a common patent court of many member states of the European Union.

Additionally, Maxeon has filed an appeal regarding the May 16, 2024 preliminary injunction decision in the Netherlands relating to its ongoing patent dispute with Aiko concerning another of the Company's European patents. Maxeon continues to firmly believe in the strength, validity, and enforceability of its patent portfolio and in its infringement claims filed against Aiko Energy Netherlands B.V. (formerly named Eironn Netherlands B.V.), VDH, and Libra.

"As part of our rigorous defense of Maxeon's intellectual property, today we announced that we are both appealing the decision in the Netherlands regarding the enforcement of our European Patent No. EP 2 297 788 B1 and filing a new action in UPC to enforce our recently granted European Patent No. EP 3 065 184 B1," said Marc Robinson, Maxeon's Associate General Counsel. "At the UPC, Maxeon is seeking an injunction against Aiko and its distributors Memodo, Libra, VDH, PowerDeal, and Coenergia in each of the contracting member states, which include the major European solar markets of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Maxeon has a deep patent portfolio and will continue to take aggressive actions to stop infringing activities."

About Maxeon Solar Technologies
Maxeon Solar Technologies (NASDAQ: MAXN) is Powering Positive Change™. Headquartered in Singapore, Maxeon leverages over 35 years of solar energy leadership and over 1,900 patents to design innovative and sustainably made solar panels and energy solutions for residential, commercial, and power plant customers. Maxeon's integrated home energy management is a flexible ecosystem of products and services, built around the award-winning Maxeon^® and SunPower^® branded solar panels. With a network of more than 1,700 trusted partners and distributors, and more than one million customers worldwide, the Company is a global leader in solar.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our future plans and areas of focus, our positioning and business plans for future success, and our positioning to enforce patent rights. These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance, or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") from time to time, including our most recent report on Form 20-F, particularly under the heading "Item 3.D. Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the Financials & Filings section of our Investor Relations website at https://corp.maxeon.com/financials-filings/sec-filings. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.

©2024 Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. MAXEON is a registered trademark of Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd. Visit https://corp.maxeon.com/trademarks for more information.

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SOURCE Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.

FAQ

What legal action did Maxeon Solar Technologies initiate on June 19, 2024?

Maxeon Solar Technologies initiated a patent infringement lawsuit in the Düsseldorf Local Division of the Unified Patent Court against Aiko Energy Germany GmbH and its European partners.

Which companies are involved in Maxeon's June 19, 2024, lawsuit?

The lawsuit involves Aiko Energy Germany GmbH, Solarlab Aiko Europe GmbH, Aiko Energy Netherlands B.V., and European partners Memodo, Libra, VDH, PowerDeal, and Coenergia.

What is the focus of Maxeon's new legal action in the UPC?

Maxeon is seeking to enforce its European Patent No. EP 3 065 184 B1 and obtain injunctions against Aiko and its distributors in several European countries.

What recent appeal did Maxeon file related to its ongoing patent disputes?

Maxeon filed an appeal on a May 16, 2024, preliminary decision by a Dutch court concerning the enforcement of its European Patent No. EP 2 297 788 B1 against Aiko.

Which European markets are targeted by Maxeon's injunctions against Aiko?

Maxeon is targeting major European solar markets, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, with its injunction efforts.