The developments and progresses of Micro LED have been under spotlight for years with researchers in the industry and the academic field working in related technologies. Worldwide researchers have also applied patents for their technology achievements and breakthroughs to protect their intellectual properties as well as to secure leading positions in the field.

(Image: Samsung)

The Korean Intellectual Property Office analyzed the patent applications related to Micro LED technology filed from 2000 to April 2018 across the world and revealed that more than 60 percent of the patent applications were filed by companies and institutes from the U.S., China and South Korea, reported BusinessKorea.

The report noted that the U.S. filed 525 patents in the Micro LED filed, taking up 31 percent of the global patent applications, followed by China with 353 applications, accounting for 20.9 percent. South Korea came next with 243 patents applications, accounting for 14.4 percent. Taiwan and Ireland came after with 140 and 91 applications respectively.

With the number, BusinessKorea showed concern about Korea’s position in the global display industry and noted that Korea might lose its advantage in the international market.

Apart from display applications, Micro LED in the non-display field is also gaining attention. Medical applications are part of the core developments for Micro LED and South Korea is a strong player in the field with its academic institutions like KIMM and KAIST working on relevant researches. KAIST has published several studies with its flexible vertical Micro LED for medical applications including hair growth stimulation.

(Image: KAIST)