On February 6, Aiko Solar (SH:600732) announced the signing of a Patent License Agreement with Maxeon. Under the agreement, Aiko Solar has obtained authorization for all existing and future BC (Back Contact) cell and module patents solely or jointly held by Maxeon over the next five years, excluding rights in the United States. The agreement does not include reverse licensing. Both parties have agreed to withdraw or terminate all ongoing or pending legal proceedings related to the licensed patents and products and will refrain from any actions inconsistent with the granted licenses during the five-year term. The total licensing fee is RMB 1.65 billion, to be paid by Aiko Solar in installments over five years, with an initial payment of RMB 250 million.
Aiko Solar stated that it has already built a strong patent portfolio in the BC field. With access to nearly a thousand additional patents from Maxeon, the company will further strengthen its patent protection framework. Its ABC products already demonstrate leading competitiveness in technology, quality, and cost. Aiko Solar remains committed to improving the full-industry technology ecosystem for ABC products, promoting a healthy intellectual property environment, and fostering fair competition in the photovoltaic industry through market and legal channels. The agreement will enable faster improvements in product performance, functionality, and quality, enhance product differentiation, attract more customers, and increase market share and profitability. Additionally, BC-based industry collaboration and licensing will open new revenue streams for the company.
Aiko Solar further noted that with potential patent disputes resolved, the company’s BC products will face fewer barriers in markets outside the United States. This will help Aiko leverage the cost advantages of its silver-free or low-silver ABC technology to accelerate global expansion. As industry supply-demand dynamics improve and product prices recover, the company’s financial performance is expected to strengthen. The phased payment structure of the licensing fee will have limited impact on annual earnings and operating cash flow over the next five years.
The decision to enter this agreement followed a thorough and prudent evaluation aimed at maximizing the company’s interests under current market conditions, in alignment with the interests of Aiko Solar and its shareholders. BC technology has gained broad industry recognition for its potential and cost benefits. In a technology-driven competitive landscape, Aiko Solar will continue to reinforce its innovation leadership, capture growth opportunities, and solidify its position in the BC segment by building a more commercially competitive industrial ecosystem.
