The US International Trade Commission (ITC) will review the final initial decision made in August regarding a patent infringement investigation involving Shoals Technologies Group connectors.
Voltage LYNX
On August 30, the ITC made its initial determination of violation of Sec. 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, finding that Voltage infringed patents for solar panel connectors related to Shoals’ Big Lead Assembly (BLA) connectors and wiring harnesses. The ITC found that the voltage Sec. 337 by importing infringing LYNX trunk bus products into the United States. This is related to Shoals patent No. 11,689,153.
But now the ITC will reassess its initial decision and has a target end date for the investigation: January 15, 2025. The ITC will assess whether Voltage’s LYNX trunk bus products infringe the ‘153 patent owned by Shoals and whether Shoals’ domestic products meet domestic requirements for Sec. 337.
Voltage modified the LYNX design to distance itself from any claims of patent infringement by Shoals. Voltage stated that the ITC’s decision to reassess the decision means that Voltage can continue to supply its alternatively designed LYNX products to US customers without delay. But the ITC is investigating whether Voltage’s original LYNX design can continue to be imported.
“Voltage supports the independence and originality of the design and is confident that the Commission will reach a fair and favorable conclusion,” Voltage said.
“We are extremely pleased that the ITC has confirmed that our alternative LYNX design is not infringing while we review the decision on the original LYNX,” said Jurgen Krehnke, president of Voltage. “Regardless of the outcome, Voltage will continue to deliver high-quality products to our customers without interruption.”
