PV metallization solutions provider Heraeus Photovoltaics is pleased to announce that its conductive paste patent in China under Chinese Patent No. 201010529562.7 has been confirmed valid by the Chinese Patent Reexamination Board of the State Intellectual Property Office (PRB). The validity also dismissed the invalidation action filed in June 2015.

The Chinese patent refers to a conductive paste having a low dependence on firing temperature, making a precise control of the firing temperature unnecessary. This allows an easy fire-through control, achieving a stable ohmic contact even without the presence of lead-oxide in the glass frit. The overall benefit is that solar cells can be produced in a simpler and environmental-friendly way compared with conventional cells.

According to Dr. Weiming Zhang, Senior Vice President Innovations of Heraeus Photovoltaics Global Business Unit, the favorable resolution enables the company to move forward. "Our aim is to develop superior products, incorporating an intellectual property which clearly makes a difference to our customers. With the decision of the PRB we can move this process forward," said Zhang.

On June 10, 2015, Heraeus filed a complaint with the Taiwan Intellectual Property Court against Giga Solar Materials Corporation for patent infringement of Heraeus' Patent No. I432539. The lawsuit is currently ongoing.