The LED market’s downturn resulted in net losses for certain manufacturers, such as Taiwanese LED die manufacturer Genesis Photonics Inc., leading to rumors that it is on the brink of a shutdown, reported Apple Daily.

Apple’s developments in the market are a hot topic in the technology industry, market rumors that next generation iPhones would be using OLED displays ushered in a large wave of investments in the sector in China. OLED, which was a niche market product, became a hot commodity this year because of Apple’s interest in adapting the technology in next-generation iPhones.

The European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) and China Solid State Lighting Alliance (CSA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership, reported Novus Lighting.

On Oct.19, 2016 and Oct. 28, 2016, Nichia  filed a request for three preliminary injunctions in Germany at the Düsseldorf District Court against Everlight Electronics (“Everlight”), alleging that the white LED products “334-15/X1C5-1QSA”, „334-15/T2C2-1TVB“ and „XI3535-KT577J1-03201-000P“ manufactured by Everlight and distributed in Germany infringe Nichia's YAG patent EP 936 682 (DE 697 02 929).

Lighting Science announced a collaboration agreement with iHome, a division of consumer electronics manufacturer SDI Technologies. Under the terms of the two-year agreement, the two technology leaders will explore the incorporation of Lighting Science’s patented spectrum control technology into iHome’s Zenergy product line. The agreement also includes co-marketing provisions, including the endorsement of nationally-renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael J. Breus, who currently serves as a member of Lighting Science’s Scientific Advisory Board.

The City Energy Project, a joint effort of the Institute for Market Transformation and Natural Resources Defense Council, announced the addition of ten communities that have committed to reducing energy waste in buildings.

Situated in Connecticut, U.S, and home to a population of 60,000 people, Meriden will be replacing its sodium bulb streetlights with LEDs through a citywide upgrade, reported myrecordjournal.

Jiangxi Luye Auto Lighting launched the first automotive lighting LED module plant in Nanchang Optical Valley in China, reported Xinhua.

German’s largest labor union IG Metall announced it will prevent any attempts made by Chinese investors to acquire lighting giant Osram, indicating the escalating backlash against Chinese involvement in the nation’s high-tech sector, reported Financial Times and other media last week.

Cree has filed a complaint against E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. (“Emson”) with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts for infringement of Cree’s patented LED technology in Emson’s flashlights, such as the Bell + Howell Taclight.

Idemitsu Kosan and Merck concluded a collaboration agreement that allows each party to use the other party’s OLED material-related patents in certain areas.

Small to mid-sized display manufacturer Japan Display Inc. (JDI) third quarter financial results were in the red, due to lower demands than expected from Chinese clients and its largest client Apple, reported Chinese-language media Money DJ.

The ZigBee Alliance is in continuous communication with its member companies to develop and maintain its suite of market-relevant standards for the IoT. The Alliance is aware of the issues raised in the Weizmann Institute / Dalhousie University report referenced in multiple press articles this week.

Tall Trees LED Company is pleased to announce that the company has completed the acquisition of Dallas Lighting & Photonics and Tall Trees LED. Both companies are pioneers in the light engine design and engineering business, enhancing the company's potential for accelerated growth through diversification.

An Arizona-based LED luminaire manufacturer Optolum is suing top U.S. LED manufacturer Cree over patent infringement, reported The News & Observer.

The Canadian government recently announced it will be subsidizing in total CA $82 million (US $62.2 million) over a five-year period to National Optics Institute (INO) to support research in optics and photonics for industrial applications.

More than 23,000 sodium streetlights will be replaced with LEDs in a large streetlight project rolled out in Sunderland city in UK. 

With ballot results confirmed in three U.S. states for the recreational use of marijuana, and three for medical use, the increased demand on energy consumption in pro-cannabis territories is expected to skyrocket, continuing the trend towards LED “grow light” solutions that curb energy consumption and reduce energy costs to growers. Lighting Science’s® patented VividGro™ LED lamp is proven to increase yields by up to 30% while using 45% less energy. Today, the company announced that sales of their VividGro LED indoor grow lights increased by more than 100 percent over the past year alone. The cannabis industry is anticipated to jump from $6 billion to $50 billion by 2026.

MechaTronix, part of the Eight Lakes Group and headquartered in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, announced its next major milestone with the acquisition of Cooling House. Cooling House, based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a technology leader in advanced two-phase cooling. Their high power cooling solutions are based on advanced heat pipes and thermosyphons. As experts in remote heat transfer, they can offer innovative thermal solutions that save energy on an application level and that enable system builders to use higher performance electronics components.

Quantel Laser announced the appointment of Dr. Steve Patterson as CEO of their Quantel U.S. subsidiary. A nine-year US Army veteran with service in the 1st Ranger Bn., Steve comes to Quantel after successfully leading DILAS Diode Laser’s US office through rapid growth and market expansion. Prior to DILAS, Dr. Patterson held technical and management positions at nLight Photonics and Sharp and has been involved in several technology start-ups. Dr. Patterson holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has authored numerous technical papers and has two patents to his name.

A day before the U.S. presidential elections 2016, Californian voters passed a Proposition 64, which legalizes adult marijuana usage for recreational purposes.

LED manufacturer Lextar third quarter financial results for 2016 recently showed positive developments.

Samsung Display plans to raise small to mid-sized OLED panels production by 35% in 2017 to meet surging OLED panel demands from Chinese smartphone manufacturers, Korean media Pulse cited a Samsung Display official saying.

Revenue rises about 6% on a comparable basis in 2016. Adjusted EBITA margin increases to 12.5%.  Proposed dividend of EUR 1.00 (US $1.13) per share. Osram managing board expects growth pace to continue in 2017.

Today, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) announced that ANSI Accredited Standards Committee C78 revised ANSI C78.1195 American National Standard for Electric Lamps—Double-Capped Fluorescent Lamps—Safety Specifications. Adopted by ANSI ASC C78 as a nationally acknowledged international standard, this revision of IEC 61195, ed2.2 (2014-09) includes deviations for clauses 2 and 3.

Debuting its OLED signage product portfolio for commercial applications on Tuesday, large Korean consumer electronic manufacturer LG is moving away from big-screened OLED TVs for home entertainment in Taiwan.

YAMING Lighting, the gold sponsors of Light Middle East 2016 returns to the show after a successful outing last year. Rashid Al Noori, Chairman of YAMING MEA and CIS, said, "Since the last Light Middle East edition we have been in close contact with the industry's key players and have signed partnership with distributors within the region”.

Lighting Science, a global leader in next-generation LED lighting solutions, announced that it has been awarded a contract by Vizient. With an annual purchasing volume of almost US $100 billion, Vizient is the largest, member-driven health care performance improvement company in the country.

On Oct.14, 2016, EU RAPEX (Rapid Exchange of Information System) recalled two LED luminaries from the consumer market. One was a color changing LED Bulb, the other one was a high power LED lamp. Both products were recalled because they pose potential electric shock to users due to inadequate circuit insulation or loosely attached parts. Last Friday, on the newly released RAPEX report, four other LED luminaries were listed: linear fixture by Best-LED, LED Magic Ball Light and LED Sun Magic Ball by ASA, and LED Floodlight by GREENLUX.

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), Europe’s largest trade body for the lighting industry, is launching its own range of insurance services for its 280 members.