The deal follows similar agreements with Taiwan’s AOT and Korea’s LumiMicro (see Patents: Blue and white LEDs).

Itswell, which manufactures LED chips and lamps as well as SMD devices, will use the Intematix patent-protected phosphor to manufacture white LEDs.

"We have collaborated with Itswell in creating a highly optimized phosphor that matches their chip selection,” said Intematix CEO Ruediger Stroh. Intematix's proprietary Discovery Engines allow rapid tuning of a phosphor's properties to meet specific customer needs.

“Itswell is not only focused on the Korea market but we are also focused on export opportunities throughout the world,” said Soon-Jae Yu, Itswell's CEO. “Our customers in Japan, the US and Europe are world leaders and demand LEDs based on best-in-class, infringement-free chip, packaging and phosphor technologies.”