ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH - Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (ECD) announced in a Thursday press release that its subsidiary, Ovonic Battery Company Inc. (Ovonic Battery), has entered into a patent license agreement in connection with its proprietary nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery technology with Shenzhen Grepow Battery Co., Ltd. (Grepow) of the People's Republic of China.

Under the consumer battery license grant, Grepow has a royalty-bearing, nonexclusive right to manufacture NiMH batteries in China and use and sell NiMH batteries worldwide. No propulsion battery rights were granted.

“China is an already important and rapidly growing market for our proprietary Ovonic NiMH battery technology. We are extremely pleased manufacturing companies within the People’s Republic of China have recognized the strength of our intellectual property and appreciate access to our advanced materials. We welcome Grepow as a licensee and look forward to a long-lasting relationship,” ECD’s Executive Vice President and COO James R. Metzger said.

“We are glad to become an Ovonic licensee. We look forward to collaboration with the Ovonic scientists to improve our technology and competitiveness in the market,” Grepow’s General Manager Liu Miao said.

Energy Conversion Devices are the leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of advanced production technology and innovative alternative energy products and solutions.

Shenzhen Grepow Battery Co. Ltd. was formed in 1998 and is located in Shenzhen, China. Grepow produces an extensive range of NiMH products to address markets such as digital cameras, R/C cars, home appliances, cordless phones and power tools.