Tigo Energy Prevails in Patent Dispute with SMA, Further Bolstering Intellectual Property Position

Rhea-AI Summary

Tigo Energy (NASDAQ: TYGO) has secured a significant legal victory as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejected SMA Solar Technology AG's challenge to Tigo's U.S. Patent No. 9,584,021. This patent covers innovative power-supply design for module-level power electronics (MLPE) technology that addresses false-start problems in solar system power-up. This ruling follows previous successful defenses of patents 9,966,848 and 10,333,405, all part of an ongoing patent-infringement dispute with SMA in Delaware District Court. Tigo offers technology licenses to these USPTO-upheld patent claims on fair terms.

Positive

• USPTO validates Tigo's key MLPE technology patent against SMA's challenge
• Successfully defended multiple patents (9,584,021, 9,966,848, and 10,333,405)
• Strong intellectual property position reinforced in solar technology sector

Negative

• Ongoing legal disputes with SMA may incur continued legal expenses

Insights

Legal Expert

The USPTO's rejection of SMA's patent challenge represents a significant legal victory for Tigo Energy in protecting its MLPE technology intellectual property. The validation of Patent No. 9,584,021, alongside previous victories for Patents 9,966,848 and 10,333,405, strengthens Tigo's position in their ongoing Delaware District Court patent infringement case against SMA. This pattern of successful patent defenses indicates robust IP protection and potential leverage in licensing negotiations.

The validated technology addresses critical power-up challenges in solar systems, which could translate to competitive advantages in the MLPE market. Tigo's willingness to license these technologies on FRAND terms (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) suggests a strategy to monetize their IP portfolio while maintaining market position. This could lead to additional revenue streams through licensing agreements with competitors.

Power supply innovation patent for module-level power electronics (MLPE) upheld as valid by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) ("Tigo"), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, today announced a significant legal victory in defense of its core intellectual property. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has rejected SMA Solar Technology AG's challenge to Tigo U.S. Patent No. 9,584,021, which covers an innovative power-supply design for module-level power electronics (MLPE) technology that addresses false-start problems when solar systems are powering up.

This latest USPTO ruling follows others that have served to solidify the portfolio of intellectual property Tigo has developed through investment in research and development. The decision also marks a further win in a series of disputes with SMA, in which Tigo has successfully defended patents integral to its MLPE technology, including U.S. Patent Nos. 9,966,848 and 10,333,405. These three patents are part of Tigo's ongoing patent-infringement dispute with SMA in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.

"Our successes in defending Tigo patented technology affirm the strength of our intellectual property portfolio and reinforce our position as a leader in solar innovation," said Zvi Alon, chief executive officer of Tigo Energy. "Our MLPE designs enable high-reliability solutions that address critical performance challenges and enable powerful features for solar installers. We remain committed to driving advancements in solar safety and efficiency and to protecting the investments Tigo makes in innovation."

Tigo products, patents, and licensees related to rapid shutdown systems are listed on the Tigo Virtual Patent Marking for Rapid Shutdown Devices webpage. Tigo offers technology licenses to patent claims upheld by the USPTO on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms. For more information about the Tigo Flex MLPE solutions portfolio, please visit the website.

About Tigo Energy

Founded in 2007, Tigo Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: TYGO) is a worldwide leader in the development and provider of smart hardware and software solutions that enhance safety, increase energy yield, and lower operating costs of residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. Tigo combines its Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) and solar optimizer technology with intelligent, cloud-based software capabilities for advanced energy monitoring and control. Tigo MLPE products maximize performance, enable real-time energy monitoring, and provide code-required rapid shutdown at the module level. The company also develops and manufactures products such as inverters and battery storage systems for the residential solar-plus-storage market. For more information, please visit www.tigoenergy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241114467858/en/

Technica Communications

Luis de Leon

Email: tigoenergy@technica.inc

Source: Tigo

FAQ

What patent did Tigo Energy (TYGO) successfully defend against SMA?

Tigo Energy successfully defended U.S. Patent No. 9,584,021, which covers power-supply design for module-level power electronics (MLPE) technology that addresses false-start problems in solar systems.

How many patents is Tigo Energy (TYGO) defending against SMA in the Delaware court?

Tigo Energy is defending three patents in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware: U.S. Patent Nos. 9,584,021, 9,966,848, and 10,333,405.

Does Tigo Energy (TYGO) offer licenses for its patent technology?

Yes, Tigo Energy offers technology licenses to patent claims upheld by the USPTO on fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory terms.