China has launched its first solar PV patent pool in Beijing, marking a significant step to improve intellectual property sharing and reduce disputes in the fast growing renewable energy sector. The initiative, unveiled on April 21, 2026, brings together leading manufacturers and industry stakeholders to enable more efficient and compliant licensing of solar technologies.
The patent pool currently covers 54 patents related to TOPCon cell and module technologies within mainland China. It was jointly initiated by Trinasolar, JA Solar, and JinkoSolar, with participation from companies across the solar value chain, as well as research institutions and intellectual property service providers. Two companies have already secured licenses through the platform.
According to Gao Jifan, chairman of Trinasolar and honorary chairman of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, all of the company’s TOPCon patents will be contributed to the pool. There are also plans to expand coverage to other advanced technologies, including back contact and heterojunction, as these mature.
The platform has been established with backing from government agencies and will be overseen by an expert advisory committee comprising 14 specialists in intellectual property, solar research and development, legal affairs, and competition policy. The committee will guide operations and ensure compliance and standardisation.
The initiative aligns with China’s 15th Five Year Plan, which prioritises stronger intellectual property protection in emerging industries. Fee structures for licensing will be determined using official data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration and comparable market transactions to ensure fair pricing.
The patent pool is designed to address growing tensions within the solar PV sector, where disputes over TOPCon technology have led to costly and prolonged legal battles. By offering a centralised licensing mechanism, the platform aims to reduce so called involution, where companies engage in destructive competition through price cuts and escalating legal action.
International pressure has also intensified. US based First Solar has initiated patent infringement actions linked to TOPCon technologies following its acquisition of TetraSun. These disputes have contributed to a Section 337 investigation launched by the US International Trade Commission in early 2026, raising concerns over potential restrictions on market access to the United States.
At the same time, the industry is seeing a shift toward cooperation, with an increasing number of cross licensing agreements and dispute settlements. In this context, the patent pool is expected to play a critical role in lowering legal risks, improving access to key technologies, and supporting continued innovation in the global solar PV market.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
April 18, 2026
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