SunSpec Must Face Infringement Suit Over System for Solar Panels

SunSpec Alliance can’t shake claims that it’s vicariously liable for patent infringement because it directed laboratories to test a rapid shutdown system for solar panels.

Tigo Energy Inc. plausibly alleged that SunSpec infringed its patents, “literally and under the doctrine of equivalents, by directing its affiliated laboratories to test third party products in accordance with its specification,” Judge William H. Orrick said for the US District Court for Northern District of California. Orrick called Tigo’s theory “novel,” but said that the case may proceed.

SunSpec is an information standards and certification organization, whose members may ask it to certify their ...