Jan 30 2010
Heliodyne Corporation announced today that it has entered into a Sublicense Agreement with Alanod-Solar, Inc. Under the terms of this Agreement, Alanod-Solar, Inc. will become the sublicensee of Heliodyne’s rights to use a patent owned by Sandia Corporation for the laser welding of metal fins to metal tubes.
The financial terms of the Agreement are confidential. Heliodyne uses the technology in the manufacturing of collectors for solar hot water systems. Alanod-Solar, Inc. manufactures components for solar collectors, and is also a parts supplier to other solar collector manufacturers.
Heliodyne is currently the sole and exclusive licensee of Sandia’s laser welding patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,300,591. Under the terms of its license with Sandia, Heliodyne may enter into sublicenses with other companies in the industry. However, since the laser welding technology is patented, competitors may not use the technology without a valid sublicense from Heliodyne.
Ole Pilgaard, Heliodyne’s President, is “excited that Alanod-Solar, Inc. is participating in our sublicensing program, as this arrangement will certainly benefit both companies.”
Mr. Pilgaard described the arrangement with Alanod-Solar, Inc. as an “umbrella” sublicense agreement, meaning that other manufactures may partner with Alanod-Solar, Inc. and be protected under the Alanod-Solar, Inc. sublicense agreement. Alternatively, Heliodyne could offer sublicenses directly to a manufacturer. According to Mr. Pilgaard, Heliodyne is currently in negotiations with several other companies seeking the same or similar rights to those in the Alanod-Solar, Inc. Agreement.