Tigo Energy Wins Key Rulings in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Proceeding
- Tigo Energy wins patent infringement case against SMA Solar Technology America LLC
- USPTO rules in favor of Tigo on two petitions filed by SMA Solar
- Tigo's rapid shutdown technology complies with industry standards and is a leader in MLPE
- Tigo has over 150 patents granted or pending and licenses its technology to other solar equipment manufacturers
- Tigo's products and technology have been deployed in more than one hundred countries, monitoring over 1 GWh of daily solar production
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Insights
In the realm of solar technology, the protection of intellectual property (IP) is crucial for fostering innovation and maintaining competitive advantage. The recent ruling by the USPTO in favor of Tigo Energy affirms the validity of their patents related to module-level power electronics (MLPE) and rapid shutdown technology. This outcome not only reinforces Tigo's IP rights but also potentially strengthens their position in the market against competitors like SMA Solar.
From a legal perspective, the denial of SMA Solar's petitions for inter partes review (IPR) indicates that the USPTO found the patents in question to be novel and non-obvious, two key criteria for patentability. This decision can have significant implications for ongoing and future litigation, as it may deter other competitors from challenging Tigo's patents. Moreover, the ability to enforce these patents can lead to licensing opportunities, contributing to revenue streams and impacting Tigo's financial position positively.
It is important to note that while this is a positive development for Tigo, the broader patent infringement case remains pending. The final outcome of the litigation will be crucial in determining the long-term impact on Tigo's business and the solar industry at large.
From a financial standpoint, the USPTO's ruling in favor of Tigo Energy could have a meaningful impact on the company's stock performance. Investors often view successful defense of intellectual property as an indicator of a company's ability to safeguard its technological edge and future revenue streams. This can influence investor confidence and potentially lead to an uptick in Tigo Energy's market valuation.
Additionally, the affirmation of Tigo's patents may enable the company to seek damages from SMA Solar for any proven infringement. This could result in a one-time financial gain. Furthermore, Tigo's strengthened patent portfolio may enhance its negotiating power in potential licensing deals, which could provide a steady income source and improve profit margins.
However, investors should also consider the costs associated with ongoing litigation, as these can weigh on a company's financial resources. Continuous legal expenses might offset some of the potential financial benefits in the short term.
The solar energy sector is rapidly evolving, with module-level power electronics (MLPE) and rapid shutdown technologies playing a critical role in the adoption of solar systems. These technologies enhance the safety and efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems, which is increasingly important as the penetration of solar energy grows in residential and commercial markets.
The confirmation of Tigo Energy's patents could influence the competitive landscape by potentially limiting the entry of competitors' products that infringe on these patents. As a result, Tigo could consolidate its market share and strengthen its brand reputation as a leader in rapid shutdown and MLPE technology. This could lead to increased sales and market expansion.
Moreover, this legal victory may serve as a deterrent to patent infringements in the industry, signaling to other firms the importance of developing their own proprietary technology or securing licensing agreements. This dynamic could lead to more innovation and collaboration within the solar technology market.
Tigo Energy logs two significant victories in rapid shutdown and MLPE technology infringement suit against SMA Solar; providing additional validation to Tigo patents.
In the pending patent infringement lawsuit, Tigo alleges infringement by SMA Solar on Tigo innovations in power supplies for module-level power electronics (MLPE), including those used in the Tigo TS4 product line. On January 12 and January 22, the USPTO denied the SMA petitions for IPRs related to the ’405 and ’848 patents. The complaint is focused on various systems and methods used in module-level power electronics that are attached to photovoltaic (PV) panels. Specifically, the complaint alleges that SMA Solar and certain suppliers copied Tigo innovations that comply with rapid shutdown requirements of the NFPA 70® National Electric Code®. The decision follows a 2023 ruling in which the USPTO instituted IPR2023-00879 against a related Tigo patent,
“The ability to protect and defend intellectual property is central to protecting the investments companies make in R&D and to maintaining the spirit of innovation that makes nations competitive,” said Zvi Alon, CEO at Tigo Energy. “This decision by the USPTO is positive reinforcement of the validity of the pending case before the jurists, and Tigo is confident in its ability to protect the intellectual property that underpins our world-class technology.”
According to National Electric Code § 690.12, “Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings,” requires that PV system circuits “installed on or in buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function to reduce shock hazard for emergency responders.” Tigo rapid shutdown technology is compliant with UL 1741, the Standard for Safety for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources, the SunSpec Rapid Shutdown Specification, and rapid shutdown requirements of the
Since 2007, millions of Tigo MLPE devices have been deployed in more than one hundred countries on all seven continents, of which more than 1 GWh of daily solar production is monitored by Tigo Energy Intelligence. Tigo MLPE products provide optimized, monitored, and safe solar to protect critical solar energy infrastructure and deliver reliability and consistent ROI for the lifetime of renewable energy systems.
Tigo products, patents, and licensees related to rapid shutdown systems can be viewed at the Tigo Virtual Patent Marking for Rapid Shutdown Devices webpage. For more information about the portfolio of Tigo Flex MLPE solutions, please visit the website.
About Tigo Energy
Founded in 2007, Tigo is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture 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/20240130561744/en/
Technica Communications
Cait Caviness
Email: tigoenergy@technica.inc
Source: Tigo
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