The China National Intellectual Property Administration invalidated a core patent held by First Solar, Inc. This ruling follows a formal request for review from competitor JinkoSolar.
The invalidated patent is titled High-Efficiency Solar Cell Structure and Manufacturing Method. Chinese authorities determined the technology failed to meet necessary novelty and inventiveness requirements under national patent law.
The patent covers 17 individual claims. This intellectual property constitutes a significant portion of the American manufacturer's core solar technology.
The decision is expected to create considerable pressure on First Solar's operations in the region. Initial reports indicate no immediate market reaction or stock price impact.