(Yicai Global) April 9 -- Authorities in the United States have launched a patent infringement investigation into certain photovoltaic cells and products from China.

The US International Trade Commission has launched a probe into products from Shanghai-based Jinko Solar and Xi'an-based Longi Green Energy Technology among others under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which governs patent infringement and unfair trade, China's commerce ministry said in a statement. 

America's Hanwha Q Cells and South Korea's Hanwha Q Cells & Advanced Materials appealed for the investigation last month following suspicions of patent infringement.

The probe also applies to Jinko's units in the US and Malaysia among others.

Editor: William Clegg