ITC Begins Section 337 Investigation on Imported Insulated Photovoltaic Connectors
The International Trade Commission began a formal Section 337 investigation on imported photovoltaic connectors (ITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1365), it said in a Federal Register notice. The Commission decided to begin the investigation after it reviewed a May 5 complaint by Tennessee-based solar and energy storage company Shoals Technologies Group, which alleged that Hikam, a California-based photovoltaic cable company, and Hewtech, a Chinese electronics firm, along with their affiliated companies, have imported photovoltaic connectors for solar panels that infringe on two of Shoals' patents (see 2305090006).
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Shoals asked the ITC for a permanent limited exclusion order on products manufactured by or on behalf of Hikam and Hewtech as well as cease and desist orders against the two companies. The patents at issue were described by Shoals as double-molded connectors that provide protection from the elements and reduce the risk of moisture seepage into the connectors.