SunPower and SunLink settle patent infringement lawsuit

SAN JOSE, USA: SunPower Corp. and SunLink Corp. announced the two companies have settled a patent infringement case brought by SunPower before the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

SunPower brought the lawsuit against SunLink in February 2008 asserting infringement of SunPower's patent rights covering its lightweight rooftop mounting products, SunPower PowerGuard and the SunPower T10 Solar Roof Tile.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the specifics of which are confidential, SunLink has acknowledged the infringement of SunLink's MMS rooftop solar product as well as the validity and enforceability of SunPower's patent rights. For confidential consideration provided under the settlement, SunLink has received a license to SunPower's infringed patents.

"SunPower has a long history of developing industry-leading technology and we will take actions necessary to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights," said SunPower CEO Tom Werner. "We are glad to achieve a resolution to this lawsuit consistent with this objective."

"We are happy to bring this litigation to a close with an agreement that is not only beneficial to both parties, but also protects our current and future customers," said SunLink CEO Christopher Tilley. "With these licenses, we continue to add to SunLink's IP portfolio and are looking forward to introducing new, innovative photovoltaic mounting solutions to the market soon."

SunPower holds more than 120 patents for its innovative solar technology, including the world's most efficient solar cell and the recently launched SunPower T5 Solar Roof Tile.