Regulations
Seoul Semiconductor Wins Again over Nichia in Patent Lawsuit
Seoul Semiconductor (hereafter "Seoul") announced that it won another victory over Nichia in a patent lawsuit in Korea.
A Seoul Semiconductor official said, "Due to repeated victories in patent lawsuits, our position in global LED market has been reinforced, and we will continue to strive to become a leading LED manufacturer and hope to play a pivotal role in 'Green Growth', thereby contributing to global economic development and protection of environment."
Seoul Semiconductor further announced that, as a company which upholds intellectual properties, they will continue to make sincere efforts to ensure utmost honesty and faithfulness in the application, enrollment and maintenance of patents.
For More Information about this Lawsuit:
Less than a year ago, on October 10, 2007, Nichia brought a patent infringement lawsuit against Seoul based on this patent. In March, 2008, Seoul requested the KIPT to examine the validity of the '482 patent. After a thorough and extensive examination of the '482 patent, KIPT determined that the '482 patent lacks inventive step and therefore declared the patent invalid. Recently Nichia's core patent related LED element was ruled to be invalid by KIPT this July.
About Seoul Semiconductor:
Seoul Semiconductor, the world’s leading LED manufacturer, has been named to Forbes and Business Week’s lists as one of the most promising Asian companies. Its product, Acriche, was named as "Product of the Year", in 2006 and 2008, 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, notebook computers, automotive lighting, home appliances, signals, etc. Seoul Semiconductor reported US$290 million in sales in 2007. It has 1,443 patents and 264 licenses as of December 2007. Seoul Semiconductor has 25 branches including 3 overseas corporate offices. Its products are also represented worldwide by more than 90 distributors.
