Core Viewpoint - The European Patent Office (EPO) ruled in favor of Borealis, allowing it to continue producing polyolefin elastomer (POE) films, concluding an eight-year patent dispute with Mitsui Chemicals [2][6]. Group 1: Patent Dispute Overview - The dispute originated from Mitsui Chemicals' European patent EP2626911B1, granted in November 2017 for its ENGAGE® 8400 POE material, aimed at creating a technological barrier in the photovoltaic POE encapsulant film market [3]. - Borealis challenged the patent in August 2018, arguing it lacked inventiveness due to the existence of similar solar cell encapsulation polymer products in the market prior to Mitsui's patent application [4]. - EPO's final ruling in July 2025 determined that Mitsui's patent was invalid based on the concept of "market publicness," indicating that existing technology must be assessed based on its public availability rather than its extractability [5]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Trends - POE has gained significant traction in recent years, with major players like Dow, Mitsui, ExxonMobil, LG Chem, SK, and SABIC dominating the market. China has been heavily reliant on imports, with approximately 860,000 tons imported in 2023 [7]. - The penetration rate of POE in N-type module encapsulation has increased from 20% to 40%, squeezing the high-end EVA market and driving global demand for POE to 1.5 million tons [8]. Group 3: POE Product Types and Applications - Main types of POE include four-carbon POE and eight-carbon POE. Four-carbon POE is cost-effective and widely used in general products, while eight-carbon POE offers superior performance in extreme conditions but has higher production costs due to reliance on imported raw materials [9][10]. - Four-carbon POE is primarily used in cost-sensitive products, while eight-carbon POE is utilized in high-performance applications such as automotive parts and high-end packaging [10]. Group 4: Technological Barriers and Innovations - Key technological barriers in POE production include metallocene catalyst systems, sourcing high-carbon α-olefins, and solution polymerization processes. The catalyst's high-temperature resistance and equipment costs are significant challenges [11]. - Recent breakthroughs in the synthesis of 1-octene, a crucial raw material, have been achieved, with several companies establishing industrial trial facilities for its production [12]. - The China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation announced successful advancements in reactor heat control and polymer stability, leading to the development of a thousand-ton/year solution method for high-end elastomers [13]. Group 5: Future Directions - Future developments in POE materials are expected to focus on sustainability and multifunctionality, including the creation of bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable POE products, as well as enhancements through the incorporation of nanoparticles and fibers [14].