Maxeon’s New Patent Licensing Agreement with AIKO Reinforces the Value of Innovation
At Maxeon, innovation isn’t a buzzword; it’s the foundation of everything we do. That’s why we’re pleased to announce a new patent licensing agreement with AIKO, an important milestone for global IP protection.
Patents play a critical role in incentivizing technological advancement, and this agreement underscores how investment in technology can benefit the entire global solar industry.
Four Decades of Relentless Innovation
Maxeon’s leadership in solar technology is the result of more than 40 years of research and development, and over half a billion dollars invested since 2007 alone. This sustained commitment has driven major advances in solar cell and panel efficiency, durability, and lifetime value.
For more than four decades, our mission has remained unchanged: to deliver high-performing solar panels so customers can be confident in their energy investment. From rooftops to utility-scale installations, Maxeon solar technology has been a trusted choice in powering the world’s transition to clean energy.
Maxeon’s back contact (BC) solar cells are engineered for strength and reliability, resulting in panels that last longer and generate more energy over their lifetime than standard alternatives.
That performance advantage translates directly into more savings over time and greater peace of mind for customers.
A Deep Intellectual Property Portfolio
Maxeon currently holds more than 2,000 granted patents worldwide, along with hundreds of pending patent applications. These assets span a broad range of solar cell and module technologies, including:
Back Contact (BC) solar cell technology
TOPCon solar cell technology
Shingled Hypercell solar module technology
Many of these innovations have benefited the broader solar industry and remain essential to Maxeon’s continued success and future breakthroughs. The new licensing agreement with AIKO is a clear acknowledgment of the relevance and commercial value of these technologies.
As previously disclosed, Maxeon has pending patent infringement lawsuits filed in 2024 against Hanwha Qcells and Canadian Solar related to TOPCon solar technology patents.
In the Canadian Solar matter, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently issued a decision finding certain claims in two Maxeon patents unpatentable, while upholding one of Maxeon’s patents in its entirety. Claims that survive the rigorous scrutiny of an inter partes review (IPR) are widely viewed as having significantly greater legal strength, reinforcing the overall robustness and commercial value of Maxeon’s TOPCon patent portfolio.
Maxeon believes it has credible legal grounds to seek reversal of the unfavorable portions of the USPTO decision and will continue to vigorously defend its intellectual property.
Confidence That Lasts for Decades
Innovation at Maxeon isn’t just about performance today; it’s about reliability for decades to come. That’s why Maxeon solar panels are backed by performance guarantees of up to 40 years, among the strongest in the industry.
The new patent licensing agreement with AIKO is more than a business milestone, it’s validation of the innovation, discipline, and long-term vision that defines us. As we continue pushing the boundaries of solar technology, our customers can remain confident that they’re investing in proven performance, protected innovation, and a cleaner, smarter, brighter tomorrow.