Seoul Semiconductor Wins Patent Case in Taiwan
Seoul Semiconductor (KOSDAQ: 046890), one of the ten largest LED manufacturers in the world, announced today that a Taiwan Intellectual Property Office has ruled that the invalidation action brought by Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Inc.(AOT) against Seoul Semiconductor s white LED patent in Taiwan is not sustained.
The Taiwan Intellectual Property office ruling ensures the novelty and technological advancement represented by Seoul Semiconductor s white LED patent is recognized in key markets. In addition to AOT, Seoul Semiconductor also has won cases pertaining to its white LED patent with Itswell and Mediana Electronics in Korea.
AOT has been infringing on Seoul Semiconductor s patent on white LED manufacturing method in Korea since 2002. However, in August 2005 a judge in the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Seoul Semiconductor concluding that AOT has infringed on Seoul Semiconductor s white LED patent technology.
In November 2006, the Intellectual Property Tribunal in Korea turned down AOT s claim to invalidate Seoul Semiconductor s Korean patent registration. Similarly, in August 2007 the Intellectual Property Office in Taiwan rejected AOT s claim to invalidate Seoul Semiconductor s Taiwan patent registration.
Seoul Semiconductor s white LED patent technology can be broadly applied to high-quality and high-productivity LEDs for flash, general lighting, automotive and mobile-handset keypads. Seoul Semiconductor has already completed the registration process for its patents in major countries including Japan, Taiwan, China and the USA.
The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office s ruling will strengthen Seoul Semiconductor s patent rights and its ability to expand its business. Seoul Semiconductor s white LED technology is expected to have applications in a fast-growing segment of the mobile handset market that accounts for 40% of the total handset market. It is a segment that is expected to reach $760 million in 2007.
About Seoul Semiconductor :
Seoul Semiconductor is the largest LED lighting solutions manufacturer in Korea, and one of the ten largest in the world. Seoul Semiconductor has been named to Forbes and BusinessWeek s lists as one of the most promising Asian companies. Its product, Acriche was recently named as "Product of the Year 2006" by Elektronik, one of the most prestigious electronics magazines in Europe. Seoul semiconductor s primary business areas are LED packaging and custom module manufacturing. It provides a full range of LED products including, AC-driven semiconductor light source, Acriche, High-brightness Power, Side View, Top, Chip, Lamp, and High Flux LEDs, and custom type modules. Applications for the company s LED products include general lighting, signage, back lighting for mobile phones, TVs, and notebook computers, automotive lighting, home appliances, signals, etc. Seoul Semiconductor has 1,248 patents and 85 licenses. The company reported US$200 million in sales in 2006 and has more than 1,000 employees, of which more than 145 are dedicated to research and development. It runs 3 overseas corporate offices and 11 branches, and approximately 90 distributors in the world.
