ITC Ends Investigation on Photovoltaic Connectors After Finding No 337 Violation
The International Trade Commission has ended a Section 337 investigation on imported photovoltaic connectors (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1365), it said in a Federal Register notice to be published Jan. 21. Complainant Shoals Technologies Group initially alleged in 2023 that Hikam, a California-based photovoltaic cable company, and Hewtech, a Chinese electronics firm, along with their affiliated companies, were importing photovoltaic connectors for solar panels that infringe two of Shoals' patents (see 2306080003).
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In April 2024, the presiding administrative law judge issued a final determination finding patent violation by respondent Voltage and recommended a limited exclusion order and bond of 100% during the Presidential review. In November, the ITC determined to review the final determination and reversed the finding that the merchandise at issue satisfied the patent's claim and that the "asserted domestic industry products satisfy the limitations" of the patent. The ITC then terminated the investigation with a finding of no violation of Section 337.