JinkoSolar has won a key patent invalidation in China against First Solar’s TOPCon-related patent, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration ruling it fully invalid.
May 22, 2026
Chinese PV manufacturer JinkoSolar has secured a favorable patent invalidation ruling in China against a TOPCon solar cell technology patent held by US module maker First Solar, in a case that could influence broader disputes over TOPCon solar cell technology.
China National Intellectual Property Administration has declared patent 201080027881.6, titled “High-efficiency solar cell structures and methods of manufacture,” fully invalid. The patent, held by TetraSun, a First Solar subsidiary, was invalidated on the grounds of lacking novelty and inventive step, with all 17 claims being struck down in the ruling.
The Chinese patent is considered the counterpart of U.S. Patent No. 9,130,074, a key asset in First Solar’s TOPCon-related enforcement efforts. Google Patents records show the U.S. patent was originally associated with TetraSun and later assigned to First Solar in 2025.
