Seoul, Tridonic sign LED cross-license agreement

Korean LED maker Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. has entered into a cross-licensing agreement with Tridonic Optoelectronics GmbH and its patent partners. The agreement relates to white LEDs using silicate-based phosphors.

Based in Jennersdorf, Austria, Tridonic Optoelectronics GmbH is part of the Zumtobel Group, the Austria-based lighting giant. Tridonic is an established supplier of chip-on-board LEDs and modules, and is a joint venture partner with Toyoda Gosei in Lexedis Lighting (see Tridonic and Toyoda Gosei sign joint venture agreement).

In July 2004, Toyoda Gosei acquired a share of patent number WO02054502 (PCT/AT01/00364), as well as other related patent applications, which was jointly owned by Tridonic Optoelectronics and its partners Leuchtstoffwerk Breitungen GmbH (Germany)and Litec GbR (Germany). The patent describes a new silicate-based phosphor used in combination with a blue LED chip to create white light.

Under the cross-licensing agreement, SSC says that it is now in “a very strong position to manufacture and sell its own white LEDs using silicate system phosphors” as well as to expand and accelerate relevant R&D activities.

View Seoul Semiconductor’s press release.