Seoul Semiconductor secures key EV LED patents

Seoul Semiconductor Co., the world’s No. 3 light-emitting diode (LED) maker, has secured key patents for LEDs to be used in electric vehicles made by US companies. That is expected to pave the way for an enlarged presence in the fast-growing global eco-friendly auto industry and other sectors.

Seoul Semiconductor, a South Korean hidden tech champion, said on Monday it signed deals with GE Licensing, Current Lighting Solutions LLC and Savant Systems Inc. for patents on potassium fluorosilicate (PFS)-based phosphors.

PFS phosphors enable TVs, monitors, and mobile devices to produce richer reds with truer color control, while reducing power consumption by more than 10%.

“We became the only company with the optimal right to use all IPs for PFS phosphors in all industries, including cars, displays and lighting,” said Seoul Semiconductor's founder and CEO Lee Chung-hoon, referring to intellectual property.

The deals are expected to enhance the company’s patent portfolios, industry sources in Seoul said. Over the past 20 years, the firm has invested nearly 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) into research and development, which has helped it secure more than 18,000 patents.

PATENTS ARE EVERYTHING

The Korean Kosdaq-listed company has been enlarging its market share globally with second-generation LED patents such as Wicop and Violeds.

Wicop is the world’s first package-free LED suitable for high-brightness products such as car headlights thanks to its high thermal conductivity. Violeds generates ultraviolet rays with wavelengths of 200-400 nanometers that serve disinfection, deodorization and phototherapy purposes.

Protecting its hard-won innovations, Seoul Semiconductor has won all 100 of its patent lawsuits worldwide since 2003. It is also the only Korean company with a mutual patent agreement with Japan’s Nichia Corp., the world’s top LED manufacturer.

Seoul Semiconductor's CEO Lee has been underscoring the importance of patents.

“Patents help the weak beat the strong, creating amazing results for the weak,” Lee said in a recent keynote speech at an IP strategy forum hosted by the National Academy of Engineering Korea.

“The US IP-related sectors such as those for patents create 30% of employment and 40% of GDP,” he said, referring to gross domestic product. “It is imperative to protect and foster IP rights that can increase efficiency through innovation, to secure growth engines in the era of low growth and aging.”

Write to Byung-Keun Kim at bk11@hankyung.com
 
Jongwoo Cheon edited this article.