First Solar drops trade complaint to sue rivals, following Trump trade action

First Solar is withdrawing its Section 337 complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). The company is recalibrating its enforcement strategy for TOPCon solar cell patents.

This move responds to the Trump Administration’s Section 232 action. The federal policy aims to reduce reliance on China for polysilicon and other key solar manufacturing materials.

By dropping the USITC investigation, First Solar can resume paused patent lawsuits in U.S. District Court. Litigation will proceed against affiliates of Canadian Solar, Jinko Solar, and Trina Solar.

First Solar stated the Section 232 trade action levels the playing field for domestic manufacturers. The company originally acquired its TOPCon patent portfolio through the 2013 purchase of TetraSun.