SolarWorld backs proposed industrial espionage laws in US

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

SolarWorld Americas has backed proposed bi-partisan legislation to reinforce the protection of trade secrets.

The module maker was one of five victims named in charges against the members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It is alleged that pricing information, manufacturing data and its business strategy were stolen by hackers in 2012. The US Department of Commerce is now considering the impact of the allegations on the long-runnign solar trade investigation.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

A proposed new law, sponsored by Senators Chris Coons and Orrin Hatch, would unify trade protection and put it on a level playing field with copyright, trademark and patent laws. It's companion bill, proposed by Congressman George Holding, has passed through the House Judiciary Committee.

“US companies need the strongest possible tools to combat cyberhacking and theft of their trade secrets,” said Desari Strader, head of government relations, SolarWorld Americas. “Giving these companies a federal civil right of action will deter the use of illegally obtained information from government and quasi-governmental organisations.

“As organisations, such as leading internet security firm CrowdStrike, have reported, hacking groups such as this one steal intellectual property as well as financial, sales, and cost data from Western businesses in order to give a competitive advantage to Chinese industry,” said Strader.

“Two years later, despite access to our trade secrets, we are still here and you can be sure we will use all available tools to fight for American jobs and American innovation,” she added.

Manufacturers including 3M, GE, DuPont and Philips have backed the proposed new laws.

“The intellectual property that drives the US economy has never been more valuable, or more vulnerable,” said Democrat Senator Chris Coons. “Congress needs to stop the haemorrhaging of jobs and revenue being lost to the theft of trade secrets by passing this legislation,” he added.

Read Next

July 11, 2025
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed that several utility-scale solar PV power plants experienced curtailment of above 25% in the National Electricity Market (NEM) in 2024.
July 10, 2025
German renewables company BayWa r.e. has secured a €3 billion (US$3.5 billion) loan for 'operational initiatives and pipeline expansion.'
July 10, 2025
US renewables developer Invenergy has launched commercial operations of 250MW Fairbanks Solar Energy Center in Sullivan County, Indiana. 
July 10, 2025
US solar residential installer Sunnova has entered into a stalking horse asset purchase agreement with Omnidian for some of its assets.
July 10, 2025
A report published by the US Department of Energy (DOE) this week claims that the previous government’s support for renewable energy could cause blackouts to “increase by 100 times” by 2030.
July 10, 2025
UbiQD has signed a supply agreement with First Solar to supply its fluorescent quantum dot technology for use in the latter’s PV panels.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 22, 2025
Bilbao, Spain
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK