Tigo Energy has filed a lawsuit in United States District Court for the Northern District of California against APsystems, saying it is “seeking to hold APsystems accountable for its willful infringement of Tigo patents related to rapid shutdown technology.”
APsystems released its APsmart brand of DC MLPE devices at Solar Power International 2019.
A rapid shutdown function is required for PV systems on buildings to comply with the U.S. National Electric Code (NEC) to reduce shock hazard for emergency responders.
“For years we have invested in innovative technologies to deliver safe and reliable solutions to our solar customers,” said Zvi Alon, chairman and CEO of Tigo Energy. “Our patents and intellectual property protect the advancements we have made. We believe that APS has copied our technology and we are taking action to protect it.”
Tigo said it notified APsystems in person and in writing about the infringement but said it received no response.
APsystems released the following statement on June 2 in response to Tigo’s action:
“APsystems has always worked diligently to conceive and develop its own proprietary intellectual property. Like many industry firms, APsystems’ rapid shutdown product complies with the industry standard protocol which is not exclusive to Tigo. APsystems is confident there is no infringement on any Tigo IP and will vigorously defend its intellectual property rights and the business of its customers. There is no substance to Tigo’s allegations and APsystems looks forward to the opportunity to prove that.”
Tigo discloses that SMA Solar Technology AG owns 10% or more of its stock and that it has no parent company.
News item from Tigo Energy. Updated on June 2 with APsystems’ statement.
Tell Us What You Think!