In 2026, China’s patent system continues to provide strong and comprehensive
protection for technological innovations in energy storage, lithium-ion batteries, and smart
grid integration. Governed by the Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China (2021
Revision) and administered by the China National Intellectual Property Administration
(CNIPA), the system supports layered patent portfolios, priority examination for green
technology, and coordinated administrative and judicial enforcement, making it essential for
global enterprises competing in the world’s largest energy storage market. The following
case demonstrates how a complete intellectual property strategy and targeted
enforcement actions can effectively protect core innovations in energy storage systems.
A leading global new energy enterprise developed an integrated intelligent battery
management system (BMS) with high-precision equalization control, thermal safety early
warning, and cloud-based data monitoring functions for large-scale energy storage power
stations. To fully protect its technological achievements, the company built a comprehensive
patent portfolio through CNIPA:
● Invention patents for core control algorithms, equalization circuits, and safety management
methods;
● Utility model patents for the structural design of battery modules, wiring layouts, and
integrated heat dissipation systems;
● Design patents for the appearance of integrated battery cabinets and human‑machine
interface layout.
In mid‑2026, multiple domestic energy storage equipment manufacturers launched competing
products using highly similar structural designs, control logic, and safety algorithms without
authorization. These products directly copied the patented technical solutions and caused
substantial market competition and economic losses to the patent owner.
The company immediately adopted a dual enforcement model. It submitted administrative
complaints to local intellectual property offices, submitting complete patent certificates
and technical comparison reports to request seizure and removal of infringing products at
industry exhibitions, e‑commerce platforms, and energy storage project bidding channels.
It also filed civil litigation in the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court, seeking permanent
injunctions, destruction of infringing products, and compensation for economic losses.
Within four months, the court found that the competing products had fully infringed the
company’s invention patents and utility model patents. The court ordered the defendants to
immediately cease production, sales, and promotion, recall all infringing equipment, and
pay significant compensatory damages. Administrative enforcement quickly removed
infringing products from circulation. The case effectively curbed large‑scale infringement,
stabilized the company’s market position, and highlighted the commercial value of a systematic
patent layout.
This case provides important guidance for energy storage and new energy innovators:
● A layered patent portfolio protects core algorithms through invention patents and physical
structures through utility model patents, forming comprehensive technical barriers.
● Preemptive patent filing before mass production and project application ensures stable rights
and improves enforcement success rates.
● The combination of administrative enforcement and civil litigation achieves rapid cessation of
infringement and adequate economic remedies.
● Complete technical disclosure, precise claim drafting, and continuous market monitoring are
essential to winning infringement cases.
China’s patent system in 2026 provides strong, stable, and policy‑supported protection for
core technologies in energy storage, lithium‑ion batteries, and smart energy systems. This case
confirms that a proactive, systematic patent strategy including layered filing, real‑time
monitoring, and coordinated enforcement can effectively protect technological advantages. For
global enterprises, mastering China’s patent rules and enforcement mechanisms is the key to
maintaining competitiveness, preventing infringement, and achieving long‑term development in
the world’s largest and most dynamic energy storage market.
Hyperlink List：
●IPcrossark:
https://www.ipcrossark.com/en/patent_detail/1.html
● China Energy Storage Alliance – Professional Resources：
