According to various sources, GE Renewable Energy has filed a patent infringement complaint in the United States against Siemens Gamesa.
GE is seeking to block Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy’s (SGRE’s) turbines from the U.S. market, claiming the European manufacturer is infringing upon GE’s intellectual property (IP).
GE’s complaint, filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission, focuses on the “low-voltage-ride-through and zero-voltage-ride-through technologies” of variable-speed turbines that enables them to maximize power capture in fluctuating wind speeds.
“GE Renewable Energy filed a patent infringement complaint against Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy in the United States International Trade Commission alleging that SGRE’s wind turbines infringe on GE’s patented low-voltage-ride-through and zero-voltage-ride-through technologies, which ensure that the wind turbines will pass ride-through certification,” GE said in a statement. “It is GE’s view that the protection of intellectual property rights is the foundation for driving both innovation and investment in high technology industries generally, and the associated creation of high value jobs. GE believes strongly in the merits of its case against SGRE, and will continue to protect its technology in the US.”
SGRE denies the allegation and says it will defend itself against any exclusion order blocking it from importing wind turbines and components into the U.S.
A statement from Siemens Gamesa said: “On 31 July 2020 General Electric Company filed a complaint against SGRE at the US International Trade Commission seeking an exclusion order against SGRE’s importation of wind turbine equipment into the United States, which has not been served yet and which we will be defending.
“We are confident that features and functionalities marketed by SGRE do not infringe any valid third parties’ intellectual property rights. Please understand that we cannot comment on this further due to ongoing legal proceedings.”