Heraeus adds Product to its Patent Infringement Lawsuit against Giga Solar Materials Corp.

- Heraeus claims Giga Solar's front-side side paste No. 610 sold for the metallization of crystalline solar cells also violates Heraeus patent.

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Heraeus

Sep 29, 2015, 08:00 ET

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sept. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Heraeus today announced that it has added Giga Solar Materials Corporation's No. 610 Front Side Silver Paste Product as one of the Alleged Infringing Products in the Patent Infringement Litigation against Giga Solar Materials Corporation in Taiwan. On June 10, 2015 Heraeus filed a complaint with the Taiwan Intellectual Property Court against Giga Solar Materials Corporation for patent infringement of Heraeus' Patent No. I432539.

"Heraeus has invested significant resources in people, equipment, facilities and technology to develop differentiated and innovative products that add value to our direct customers and the photovoltaic industry," says Andreas Liebheit, Head of Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit. "We nor other suppliers in this industry can justify continuous major investments in intellectual property development if we do not defend our intellectual property against infringement. Fair competition encourages the development and improvement of technology which benefits the entire industry." And Liebheit continues: "It is important for us and the industry to challenge potential violators who can potential hinder the technological advancement of the PV industry. If suppliers are not able to gain full economic benefit from investments in technology and intellectual property, then why should anyone invest? We will defend all our technology for the long term benefit of the industry."

Heraeus seeks damages for infringement, including treble damages for willful infringement, and a permanent injunction to prevent the manufacture, use, offer for sale and sale of Giga Solar's front side silver paste products (including No.590, 590A, 600, 610 and 620).

About the Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit

The Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit is an industry leading developer and manufacturer of silver metallization pastes for the photovoltaic industry. For over 40 years, Heraeus has built a reputation of innovation, extensive research and new product development in thick film technologies for some of the most prominent companies within a variety of industries. In the field of photovoltaics, the Heraeus Photovoltaics Business Unit applies this history and its innovative technology to offer metallization pastes for solar cell applications. The Heraeus SOL Series of silver pastes is specially formulated to provide higher efficiencies and wider processing windows, resulting in better yields and higher output for cell manufacturers.

About Heraeus

Heraeus, the technology group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, is a leading international family-owned company formed in 1851. With expertise, a focus on innovations, operational excellence and an entrepreneurial leadership, we strive to continuously improve our business performance.

We create high-quality solutions for our clients and strengthen their competitiveness in the long term by combining material expertise with technological know-how. Our ideas are focused on themes such as the environment, energy, health, mobility and industrial applications. Our portfolio ranges from components to coordinated material systems which are used in a wide variety of industries, including the steel, electronics, chemical, automotive and telecommunications industries.

In the 2014 financial year, Heraeus generated product revenues of €3.4 bn and precious metal revenues of €12.2bn euros. With around 12,600 employees worldwide in more than 100 subsidiaries in 38 countries, Heraeus holds a leading position in its global markets.

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SOURCE Heraeus