[IP Campaign #3] David vs. Goliath: The Beginning of the Patent War
2025.05.21
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📷 Photo: CEO Chung Hoon Lee, who did not cut his hair for 14 months during the lawsuit period (Oct. 2007–Dec. 2008)
In 2006, a patent warning letter arrived:
"Seoul Semiconductor is infringing Nichia’s patents. Cease use immediately."
That single letter marked the start of one of the most intense and symbolic battles in the company’s history.
With a series of world-first technologies unveiled in 2006, Seoul Semiconductor entered the global top 10 in the LED market.
In response, top competitors from ranks 1 to 3 launched a patent war.
By 2008, Seoul Semiconductor was embroiled in 30 patent lawsuits across five countries — the U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany, and more.
Choosing Head-On Confrontation
CEO Chung Hoon Lee declared:
“You cannot become a global tech company without real technology.
There’s no answer but to fight head-on.”
With over 50 attorneys and advisors, Seoul Semiconductor spent over 60 billion KRW to fight through the lawsuits.
Lee vowed not to cut his hair during the litigation — and he didn’t step back, despite all discouragement.
Dubbed a “David vs. Goliath” battle, the case gained massive public attention.
Finally, in 2009, Seoul Semiconductor reached joint patent agreements with Nichia, Osram, and Philips — the global LED top 3.
This was not just a settlement — it was proof of technological parity and symbolic recognition on the global stage.
From that point on, LED applications like TVs and lighting saw explosive growth, and Seoul Semiconductor became a central player in the industry.
Despite future crises, Seoul Semiconductor never ceased R&D investments.
Spending over 100 billion KRW annually — more than 10% of its revenue — the company made it virtually impossible to manufacture LEDs without touching its patents.
📎 Key Takeaways
• Survived a global patent war since 2006
• Earned tech recognition via joint patents with global top 3 in 2009
• Invested 10%+ of sales annually in R&D, building strong patent competitiveness