#The dynamic performances of Korean national athletes at the 2026 Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics captivated audiences around the world. In sports where every 0.01 second counts, ultra-high-definition displays powered by micro LED technologies deliver the intensity of the competition directly to viewers. For those unable to witness the event in person, massive digital billboards and video walls installed at public viewing sites vividly brought the action to cheering crowds across the country.

#The emotional moment when Korea’s women’s short-track relay team reclaimed the Olympic title after eight years was shared nationwide through high-definition displays that captured even the smallest details of the athletes’ performances—even capturing the drop of sweat from the athletes. The immersive viewing experience that conveyed the excitement of the arena and the triumph of the gold medal was made possible by micro-LED displays manufactured using micro-LED transfer technology, a field in which Korean companies lead the world in patent filings.

According to the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), led by Minister Kim Yong Sun, Korea ranks first globally in patent applications related to micro LED display transfer technology. An analysis of patent filing trends over the past 20 years (2004–2023) across the world’s five major intellectual property offices* revealed that Korea recorded 2,022 patent applications, the highest among these five jurisdictions.

*World’s five major intellectual property offices consists of Korea, the United States, China, the European Union, and Japan, collectively known as the IP5

<Korea ranks No.1 in global patent applications>
Over the 20-year period from 2004 to 2023, the total number of patent applications filed in the field of micro LED transfer technology at the IP5 offices was 4,813. By applicant nationality, Korea ranked first with 2,022 applications, followed by China with 1,107, the United States with 739, Japan with 295, and Europe with 272—placing Korea as the world’s top filing country.

<Korean companies stand out globally with LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and LG Display ranking in the Top 3>
Among major applicants, LG Electronics ranked first with 648 applications, and Samsung Electronics ranked second with 503 applications. In addition, LG Display, with 147 applications, ranked third; Samsung Display, with 132 applications, ranked fifth; and Point Engineering, with 124 applications, ranked sixth. A total of five Korean companies were included among the world’s top 10 applicants in this field, highlighting the strong presence of Korean firms.

<Korean companies also lead global patent activity, ranking first across specific micro LED display transfer technologies>

The specific technologies of micro LED display transfer technology include ▲laser irradiation methods (1,639 applications), ▲electromagnetic force methods (378 applications), ▲fluidic self-assembly methods (1,071 applications), and ▲stamp methods (1,725 applications), among others.

Korean companies were found to hold a leading position across these specific categories. LG Electronics ranked first in the number of applications for laser irradiation methods and stamp methods. LG Display ranked first in electromagnetic force methods, and Samsung Electronics ranked first in fluidic self-assembly methods.

Director General KIM Hee-tae of the Semiconductor Examination Bureau at MOIP stated, “Micro LED displays have only recently begun to be commercialized and are expected to reach widespread adoption within a few years through rapid technological advancement,” and added, “We will actively support Korean companies so that they can secure core transfer technologies based on intellectual property rights and take the lead in the micro LED display market.”

Source: Ministry of Intellectual Property Public Relations > News