ITC terminates Sec. 337 investigation between Shoals and Voltage, finding no fault

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has decided to terminate the Sec. 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 investigation between Shoals and Voltage, concerning solar panel connector products. The ITC has determined Voltage did not violate Sec. 337 by importing connectors and wire harnesses that infringe on Shoals patents.

This is a reversal of an initial decision made by an ITC administrative law judge in Aug. 2024. The judge found that Voltage’s LYNX trunk bus design infringed on one Shoals patent (No. 11,689,153), but Voltage’s alternative AD LYNX solution was deemed non-infringing. While the judge did initially find fault, the commission took another look at the case in November.

Now, the investigation is officially over and Voltage was found to not be at fault.

While Shoals has been pursuing ‘153 patent infringement claims against Voltage since 2023, the company has acquired two new patents that cover its Big Lead Assembly solutions (patent Nos. 12,015,375 and 12,015,376). The new patents relate to an improved trunk bus lead assembly for solar panel arrays that Shoals believes provide protection against alternative designs that Voltage may create to bypass the original ‘153 patent. Shoals since has initiated a new patent infringement complaint with the ITC against Voltage for the two new patents.

“We have always maintained the commitment to protecting our intellectual property and valuable product portfolio against infringement,” said Brandon Moss, CEO of Shoals Technologies Group, earlier this month when initiating the new complaints. “We will continue to invest in American jobs, domestic manufacturing, and support the increasing energy demands. To do that we need to remain vigilant against foreign entities to help accelerate the reshoring of domestic clean energy manufacturing.”

Voltage released a statement on the ITC’s decision to terminate the Sec. 337 investigation: “Voltage appreciates the ITC’s decision, which validates our commitment to fairly compete in the market and defend our innovations. Voltage is pleased that business operations have returned to normal and will continue to focus on delivering exceptional products to our valued customers. At the same time, Voltage stands resolute in driving the renewable industry forward through genuine innovation.”