Cuberg's IP Still in the U.S. Despite Shutdown
Northvolt recently closed its subsidiary, Cuberg, in San Leandro, stating that research and development would relocate to Sweden. However, Cuberg's patents still remain in the US.
According to Swedish intellectual property analysis firm IPscreener, Cuberg holds 15 patent families, most of which are registered in the United States. As shown in the picture below shows that most of these patents are registered in the USA. There have yet not been any formal applications to move them to Sweden.
When asked for clarification, Northvolt North America's Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Laurent Therrien, did not want to comment on specific plans for the patents. In an email Therrien states:
"Northvolt is still evaluating the most strategic use of Cuberg's intellectual property. However, we can confirm that patents subject to CFIUS requirements will not be transferred and that we are in close contact with authorities in this respect."
CFIUS, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., assesses foreign investments and transactions to ensure they don't pose national security risks, particularly in sensitive sectors like technology. Patents falling under CFIUS scrutiny are subject to review and could be blocked or modified to safeguard U.S. interests. Patents that CFIUS doesn't restrict could more easy be transferred internationally but may still face barriers due to export control laws.
Therrien did not want to say how many of the patents are subject to CFIUS requirements.
Northvolt acquired Cuberg in 2021 as part of its strategy to integrate next-generation battery technology into its operations. However, earlier this year, following a visit by Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson to San Francisco, Cuberg's co-founder and CEO, Richard Wang, was removed from the company. Just six months later, Northvolt announced Cuberg's closure and the relocation of its research to Sweden, impacting approximately 200 employees at the San Leandro facility.
Founded in 2015 by Stanford University researchers, Cuberg aimed to revolutionize energy storage, particularly for the aviation industry. Their lithium-metal battery technology promises higher energy density and faster charging times than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The Swedish Northvolt Group is currently grappling with significant financial challenges. The company is reported to be struggling with cash flow issues, exacerbated by delays in production and lower demand for electric vehicle batteries.