LG Chem to open battery patents
LG Chem researchers check out the safety reinforced separator (SRS) at the company’s research lab in Daejeon, Sunday. The SRS technology uses a ceramic coating on separator substrates to enhance the thermal deformation resistance and mechanical strength of separators. / Courtesy of LG Chem
By Kim Yoo-chul
LG Chem, a global leader in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, said Sunday that it will open its battery patents to interested companies through licensing agreements.
The move is aimed at establishing its battery technology as an industry standard ― a critical determinant of the company's long-term competitive position and success.
LG Chem said it will be “more flexible and aggressive” in sharing its patents with competitors and companies via licensing deals.
“To establish technology industry standards, LG Chem will actively pursue licensing deals, enter into strategic alliances and diversify complementary products," said its spokesman Woo Byeong-min.
LG Chem supplies its electric car batteries to more than 20 global carmakers like General Motors, Ford and Hyundai-Kia. LG produces car batteries at its plants in the United States, China and South Korea.
"Over the last few years, LG Chem has been approached by many other companies for patent licensing," Woo said.
The success of Microsoft and Intel, whose technologies define standards in today's PC industry, is a good example and witness for the importance of the establishment of industry standard, he said.
To that extent, it said Sunday that it signed a licensing deal with Japan's Ube Maxell for separator film technology.
Maxell is a joint venture between Ube Industries and Hitachi Maxell in the field of coated separator films for lithium-ion batteries.
The agreement calls for the Japanese company to get the rights to use LG patents for ceramic coating of separator substrates ― a key component for lithium-ion batteries.
The patent granted to Ube Maxell is LG Chem's safety reinforced separator (SRS) technology, which uses a ceramic coating on separator substrates to enhance the thermal deformation resistance and mechanical strength of separators.
LG Chem declined to specify terms of the deal, including the period and the amount of royalties that Ube Maxell will pay.
SRS uses nanoscale ceramic particles to prevent internal short circuits. LG Chem introduced its SRS in 2006, and emphasized its high thermal stability and hardness compared to conventional polyolefin separators.
The SRS technology was key to being chosen as the provider of lithium-ion batteries to global carmakers as well as power companies including ABB.
LG Chem has SRS patents in five regions, including South Korea, the United States and China, said the company.