The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will review its final initial determination made in August concerning a patent infringement investigation related to connectors from Shoals Technologies Group.
Voltage LYNX
On Aug. 30, the ITC released its initial determination on violation of Sec. 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, finding that Voltage was infringing on patents for solar panel connectors related to Shoals’ Big Lead Assembly (BLA) connectors and wire harnesses. The ITC found Voltage did violate Sec. 337 by importing infringing LYNX trunk bus products into the United States. This is related to Shoals’ No. 11,689,153 patent.
But now, the ITC will re-review its initial determination and has a target investigation end-date of Jan. 15, 2025. The ITC will review whether Voltage’s LYNX trunk bus products infringe on the ‘153 patent owned by Shoals and whether Shoals’ domestic products satisfy the domestic requirements for Sec. 337.
Voltage tweaked its LYNX design to step away from any Shoals’ patent infringement claims. Voltage stated that the ITC’s decision to reassess the decision means Voltage can continue delivering its alternatively designed LYNX products to U.S. customers without delay. But, the ITC is reviewing whether Voltage’s original LYNX design can continue to be imported.
“Voltage stands by the independence and originality of its design and is confident the Commission will reach a fair and favorable conclusion,” Voltage stated.
“We are tremendously pleased that the ITC affirmed our alternative LYNX design does not infringe, while reviewing the decision on the original LYNX,” said Jurgen Krehnke, president of Voltage. “No matter the outcome, Voltage will continue to deliver high-quality products to our customers without interruption.”