The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) reports that, between 2013 and 2022, South Korea achieved the highest number of MicroLED patents filed in major global patent offices. Following South Korea, Japan holds second place with 1,360 patents, China comes in third with 1,271, the United States ranks fourth with 1,080, and the European Union is fifth with 750.
Leading the charge is LG Innotek with 404 patents. Close on its heels is Samsung Electronics with 384 patents. Other prominent companies include the Japan Semiconductor Energy Research Institute and Samsung Display.
Despite anything else that might seem to be going on in the display market with regards to its future, MicroLED patent registrations show significant growth, nearly doubling from 540 in 2013 to 1,045 in 2022, equating to an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. China has experienced a remarkable annual growth rate of 37.5%, with the EU and Taiwan also posting substantial growth figures. Although Korea leads in total registrations, its annual growth rate is 4.4%, with the US closely following at 4.1%.
According to KIPO, the technological race between Korea and China, especially in MicroLED research and development, is intensifying. Korea is advised to continue its research and development efforts in MicroLED chip manufacturing and transfer processes to sustain its global leadership.
