The patent applications related to `rollable display` which can be easily carried around by rolling the TV screen or the smartphone screens are increasing rapidly.

Rollable displays are future technologies that apply flexible plastic substrates instead of rigid glass substrates.

According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 23, the number of patents related to rollable displays was only 2 in 2013, but increased to 32 cases last year, a 16 times increase over three years.

If we look at patent applications by years, there was 1 case in 2012, 2 cases in 2013 and 15 cases in 2014. Then patent applications increased to 21 cases in 2015. 32 cases were recorded in 2016. It is expected that patent application growth will continue in the future with the prospect that rollable displays will be applied to commercial mobile products in 2023.

It has been analyzed that in past 10 years, patent applications have been lead by Korean companies.

Especially, Samsung Display and LG Display are in a fierce competition for technology that are accounting for 53% and 35% of total applications respectively.

The proportion of patents filed by Korean companies has exceeded 90% over the past three years. It is also noteworthy that not only large companies but also small and medium-sized enterprises are actively securing patent rights.


It is pointed out that Korean companies will take the lead of next generation display technology based on the initiative of first and second generation display of CRT and flat panel display.

Kim Jong-chan, Director of the Display Device Inspection Team, said, "Domestic companies have the lead in flexible display technology including rollable displays. However, we need to secure patent rights stronger as overseas companies such as China and Japan are pursuing their patents."

The Korea Intellectual Property Office regularly has `IP Together`, a communication and cooperation program with the industry, and provides technical information on related fields through the revised patent law briefing session in order to enhance the competitiveness of the display field.


Daejeon=By Lee Joon Gee bongchu@


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