According to Korea’s The Elec, LG Display purchased 14 MicroLED-related patents from Taiwanese company Ultra Display Technology (UDT) around mass transfer IP developed by the company. Among these patents, 13 were registered, and one was filed in the United States. When combined with the patents registered and filed in Taiwan and China, the total number reaches 38.
The acquired patents mainly focus on the transfer process technology of MicroLEDs. Additionally, the acquired patents include MicroLED stacking, touch, and applications in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and heads-up displays (HUD). UDT’s flat stamp technology has several advantages over other mass transfer technologies for MicroLED displays. The flat stamp is a thin, flexible substrate that is coated with millions of MicroLEDs. The LEDs are arranged in a precise grid pattern, which allows for the precise placement of the LEDs onto a display panel. The flat stamp is then placed on top of the display panel, and a vacuum is applied to hold the stamp in place. A laser is then used to heat the LEDs, causing them to bond to the display panel. The flat stamp is then removed, leaving behind something that should be precise and more readily scalable than other MicroLED transfer technologies.
LG may have a head start on backplane technology for MicroLEDs, and it intends to expand upon its relationship with Apple as that company looks to get out the gate with a MicroLED Watch sometime in the next two years. This patent purchase is part of LG’s drive to create more leverage for its MicroLED displays, and keep competitors at bay, even though there are few takers for Apple’s business right now due to the costs and rigors of meeting it stringent requirements. MicroLED displays are just not ready for Apple’s scrutiny.
