Samsung Display is making waves in the world of foldable display technology with its recent filing for the “Ironflex” trademark. This filing, submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office on January 3, has also been submitted in South Korea and the UK, indicating the company’s commitment to this innovative development.
The “Ironflex” trademark, as described in the filing, encompasses standard characters without specific font style, size, or color claims. What’s particularly intriguing is Samsung’s intention to use this trademark across a range of devices that utilize foldable displays, including smartphones, monitors, and tablet PCs. This move is in line with Samsung’s previous use of “Flex” for its line of foldable and slidable display products.
So, what does the name “Ironflex” suggest? Industry sources speculate that the inclusion of “iron” in the trademark alludes to enhanced durability. This could potentially lead to folding phones that are nearly free from creases, among other advancements. In a market where competition is fierce, securing patents and trademarks for future products has become a strategic necessity.
Samsung Display’s emphasis on research and development in the foldable display sector is evident, as seen in this trademark filing. The company aims to establish a significant lead in this burgeoning market. When it comes to patent filings, Samsung Display stands out. According to Wert Intelligence, an intellectual property market tracker, Samsung Display has accumulated an impressive 1,840 patents solely related to foldable displays in the US. This figure far surpasses competitors like China’s BOE with 481 patents and crosstown rival LG Display with 469 patents.
Wert Intelligence predicts that Samsung’s dominance in this field will continue, thanks to its diverse patent portfolio, which includes folding structure mechanisms, display piling methods, materials, and user interfaces. Song Wan-gam from Wert Intelligence anticipates the expansion of the foldable display market with the introduction of more diverse foldable devices. He also emphasizes the critical role of securing patents for display makers to sustain their competitiveness.
Samsung Display has consistently held the top position in the foldable OLED panel market, buoyed by strong sales of foldable smartphones by its sibling company, Samsung Electronics. In 2023, it boasted an impressive 65.5% market share, leaving competitors like BOE and TCL CSOT far behind, as reported by market tracker Omdia.
As the tech world eagerly awaits further developments, Samsung’s “Ironflex” trademark filing hints at a promising future for foldable display technology, one that promises enhanced durability and innovation across a range of devices. Samsung’s commitment to research and development, backed by its formidable patent portfolio, positions it as a leader in this dynamic and evolving market.