The Fraunhofer Institute of Labor Economics and Organization (IAO) has recognized SMA Solar Technology AG with first prize in the IP Management Award for sustained and targeted patent management. The prize ceremony took place yesterday as part of the convention for patent experts "Patente 2013" in Munich.

“The development of innovative technologies for a decentralized energy supply has been an essential cornerstone of our corporate strategy since SMA was founded. With more than 400 global patent applications so far, SMA is the world development champion in system technology in the photovoltaics sector. Protecting this intellectual property in an international environment is particularly important for the success of our company. Being presented with the IP Management Award is proof that we are also doing a first-class job in this area,” explains SMA Speaker of the Managing Board Pierre-Pascal Urbon.

The Fraunhofer IAO presented the IP Management Award for the sixth time. In this year’s competition, SMA prevailed against 27 other participants. In addition to other criteria, the jury analyzed and evaluated the activity, quality, and organization of intellectual property management in the participating companies. The jury was particularly impressed by the highly professional IP management system that was implemented in a very short time at SMA.