Applied Materials Issues Statement Regarding Thin Film Solar Technology
Published on June 25, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Applied
Materials, Inc. today released the following statement regarding its
thin film solar technology:
- Applied Materials believes that its SunFab thin film solar tandem junction
technology does not infringe European Patent No. EP 0 871 979 issued to the
University of Neuchatel (the "Neuchatel patent"). Applied Materials'
unique and proprietary manufacturing process and tandem junction cell structure
are the result of substantial research and development. The SunFab line is
the only integrated production line for manufacturing thin film solar modules
using ultra-large 5.7 m2 glass panels.
- Applied Materials' belief of non-infringement is based in part on differences
between the SunFab tandem junction technology (as verified by scientific analyses
such as Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy) and the claims
of the Neuchatel patent.
- In addition, the Neuchatel patent is already the subject of four separate
opposition proceedings in the European Patent Office challenging its validity,
based on prior art that was not disclosed or considered during the European
patent examination process.