German laser equipment manufacturer LPKF, a global leader in semiconductor glass substrate processing, has begun enforcing its related patents — a move that may raise entry barriers in this fast-growing market.

According to industry sources on June 3, LPKF recently issued a warning letter to a Korean laser equipment maker (referred to as Company A), accusing it of patent and trademark infringement. The company had reportedly supplied two machines to universities and research institutions using LPKF's patented term “LIDE” (Laser Induced Deep Etching) without authorization.

An industry insider noted that LPKF also raised the possibility of seeking damages based on the sales generated from the allegedly infringing equipment. This marks the first known instance of LPKF formally issuing a patent warning to a Korean equipment supplier.

LPKF holds key technology for laser drilling (TGV) and cutting in semiconductor glass substrates and has become a leading player in the field. To date, the company has delivered more than 30 units of its equipment to semiconductor glass substrate manufacturers globally, far exceeding the sales volumes of other competitors that have supplied only one or two units each.

Industry analysts say LPKF possesses a strong technological edge, with over 300 patents related to glass substrate processing. While its core LIDE patent had previously faced opposition in Europe, the European Patent Office upheld its validity, strengthening the company's legal standing.

LPKF has stated it will respond firmly to any infringement. A representative from LPKF Korea recalled a sharp decline in revenue in the early 2000s when Chinese and Korean firms imitated the company's technology. “We learned from that experience and will take a hardline stance this time,” the spokesperson said.

The company is reportedly examining both domestic and international technologies for potential infringements, suggesting that broader enforcement actions may follow.

As LPKF specializes in laser processing, industry watchers anticipate potential legal disputes between the company and other players in the laser equipment sector. Korean manufacturers are said to be conducting detailed reviews of LPKF's patents to assess and mitigate legal risks, though some have voiced concerns over limited resources and lack of expertise in patent law.