晶科与隆基握手言和，但光伏“专利战”远未终结

Core Viewpoint - The recent settlement between leading photovoltaic companies Longi Green Energy and JinkoSolar marks a significant development in the solar industry, ending ongoing patent disputes and establishing cross-licensing agreements for core patents [1][3][8] Group 1: Settlement Details - Longi Green Energy and JinkoSolar announced a resolution to all ongoing patent disputes globally, agreeing to cross-licensing of certain core patents [1][3] - The settlement is expected to reduce conflicts over the dominance of TOPCon and BC technologies, which have been at the center of their rivalry [3][4] Group 2: Technology Competition - The competition between TOPCon and BC technologies has intensified since 2023, with TOPCon capturing approximately 23% of the market share in 2023, up from less than 10% the previous year [4] - Both companies have been involved in developing and utilizing each other's technologies, indicating a complex relationship despite their public rivalry [5][6] Group 3: Industry Implications - The resolution of the patent disputes is seen as a landmark event for intellectual property protection in the photovoltaic industry, which has been plagued by numerous patent litigations [8][9] - The settlement may lead to a more collaborative environment among major players, as the industry faces challenges related to overcapacity and homogenized competition [8][10] Group 4: Future Outlook - The focus on intellectual property rights is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating cutthroat competition within the solar industry, as highlighted by recent regulatory efforts to strengthen IP protections [9][10] - The ongoing complexity of patent litigation in the photovoltaic sector suggests that the industry will continue to navigate these challenges in the long term [11]