The power of ‘IP*’ is stronger than anything. IP solidifies market dominance and protects technologies that we have long been worked on. SAMSUNG SDI also uses IP to protect technologies created by SAMSUNG SDI employees. We asked Pro Jeon-goo Kwon and Pro Eun-young Jang about how much SAMSUNG SDI care about IP. 

* IP [Intellectual Property] refers to legal protection for literary art and science works, directing, artists’ concert music and broadcasting, invention, scientific discovery, industrial design,, registered trademark and shop name and includes all the rights that are created from the human intellect, such as industrial scientific literacy and artistic activities.

Q. Please introduce your responsibilities and role in your team.

Pro Jeon-goo Kwon) Hello everyone. I am Pro Jeon-goo Kwon. I am in charge of IP application. At SAMSUNG SDI, we protect the legal rights of technological inventions created by our employees and monitor potential disputes. Especially, we have facilitated the filing of patents not only domestically but also internationally to protect SAMSUNG SDI’s technical capabilities. 

Pro Eun-young Jang) I am in charge of preventing potential IP disputes through patent monitoring, which Pro Kwon just mentioned. SAMSUNG SDI analyzes not only patent applications but also SAMSUNG SDI’s patents. We monitor whether our patents are being infringed and are fully prepared to respond immediately when disputes occur.

[Pro Eun-young Jang (Left) and Pro Jeon-goo Kwon (Right) are in charge of patent applications.]

Q. What are the efforts that SAMSUNG SDI take on to secure excellent patents?

Pro Eun-young Jang) SAMSUNG SDI has continuously emphasized the importance of patents and ensured that appropriate compensation should follow by adopting an employee invention remuneration system in 1983. It pays compensation for profit generation by securing and implementing employee inventions. The Compensation may vary depending on grades, profit and sales of the patented products.

Pro Jeon-goo Kwon) In addition to the existing compensation policy, we select and award Hidden Hero* on a quarterly basis who have demonstrated their commitment by filing a patent application. Moreover, we present the S.G.A.A(SDI Global Annual Awards)*, a special IP-related awards, and hold an annual ‘IP Fair’ on May 19, in line with Invention Day, at which nine awards are presented for securing outstanding patents in three categories.

* The Hidden Hero Award is a quarterly event that selects and awards employees who demonstrate professional commitment to the CEO's management strategies.

* S.G.A.A(SDI Global Annual Awards) is an event held at an annual Year-End Ceremony that selects and awards employees who raise value and drive growth of SAMSUNG SDI.

For those who think that applying for a patent is difficult, we provide various training programs, from a focused program on how to write an application for invention, a beginner’s program for new employees, to an advanced program specialized for researchers who are battery experts. We also operate a ‘technology asset system’ in which confidential manufacturing and equipment technologies are protected as trade secrets. For those registered in the system, compensation is paid.

[Pro Jeon-goo Kwon is putting efforts in removing patent barriers to secure more patents] 

Q. When was the most impressive moments?

Pro Eun-Young Jang) Before revealing technology ideas, we are the first ones to listen to inventors’ minds. Every time, I am taken aback by their creativity and ideas. I am very proud that SAMSUNG SDI has the most incomparable patents compared to others. I feel very happy when I think that SAMSUNG SDI’s superior technological capabilities and patents are well protected with the help of our team. 

[Pro Eun-young Jang is amazed by employees’ creative ideas]

Q. Are there any difficulties while you are working?

Pro Eun-young Jang) There are many times when I have to request some experimental data or additional documents to file a patent application. During the application process, I am very meticulous in reviewing the documents by contacting the inventors several times by email, work messenger or phone. I understand that it’s cumbersome and they feel tired. I always feel sorry for them and appreciate for their work in helping our company to secure patent assets.

Q. What’s in store for Samsung SDI armed with patents based on Super-Gap Technology?

Pro Eun-young Jang) Patents play a dual role as spear and shield. Our patents serve as a shield, preventing others from copying our technology without permission, and as a spear, imposing sanctions that result in severe civil and criminal penalties. We are fearless when we are armed with spears and shields right? I am happy to imagine a future where SAMSUNG SDI becomes an unparalleled Global Top Tier Company in 2030 as we are thoroughly prepared with patents, also known as spears and shields.

Pro Jeon-goo Kwon) I believe that applying for a patent is like becoming a pioneer and planting our flag in a new territory. If we can secure patents in advance for potential core technologies through patent applications, SAMSUNG SDI will become a Super-Gap Technology Company.