Core Viewpoint - The commercial dispute between Ningde Times and Haicheng Energy Storage has gained attention due to a "help request letter" from the wife of a former executive at Haicheng, who was arrested for allegedly infringing on trade secrets. This incident highlights the ongoing patent conflict between the two companies, with Haicheng's IPO facing uncertainties as a result [2][10]. Company Overview - Haicheng Energy Storage, founded on December 27, 2019, focuses on the research, production, and sales of lithium battery core materials and lithium iron phosphate energy storage batteries. The company plans to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on March 25, 2025 [3][10]. - As of 2024, Haicheng is the only company in the GWh-level lithium-ion battery shipment category that specializes in the energy storage sector, ranking third globally in energy storage battery shipments [3]. Market Position and Performance - In 2024 and the first half of 2025, Ningde Times maintained its position as the global leader in energy storage battery sales, with shipments of 93 GWh and 55 GWh, respectively [4]. - Haicheng's energy storage battery shipments grew at a compound annual growth rate of 167% from 2022 to 2024, reaching 35.1 GWh in 2024, capturing an 11% market share [15]. Financial Performance - Haicheng's revenue has seen rapid growth, with figures of 3.615 billion yuan, 10.202 billion yuan, and 12.917 billion yuan from 2022 to 2024, representing a 2.57-fold increase over two years. The company turned a profit in 2024, achieving a net profit of 318 million yuan after adjustments [15]. Patent Dispute - The patent conflict between Ningde Times and Haicheng has escalated, with Ningde Times filing multiple lawsuits against Haicheng, including a claim for 150 million yuan for unfair competition [4][10]. - As of June 2025, Ningde Times holds 49,347 patents, significantly outnumbering Haicheng's 3,900 patents [15]. Key Personnel and Background - Haicheng's key personnel, including its founder Wu Zuyu, have backgrounds in Ningde Times, which has contributed to the company's rapid rise. Wu worked at Ningde Times for over seven years before founding Haicheng [10][11].