Prismatic batteries are the next big thing in EV and ESS industries, boasting its superior safety and performance. Accordingly, patent competition to secure related technologies and to obtain rights to them is intensifying.

[SAMSUNG SDI’s R&D patent landscape (U.S., 2024)]

Prismatic batteries are recognized as a challenging form factor for latecomers to enter, as they are difficult to mass-produce. Electrode plates are stacked in layers within an aluminum casing, requiring more components than other form factors, along with sophisticated technologies in component design and assembly to achieve higher energy density. Stacking technology which builds up electrode plates and separators, is another complex process. Amidst this, SAMSUNG SDI is the only company that has successfully mass-produced prismatic batteries in Korea.

SAMSUNG SDI has long accumulated technological expertise and know-how across the prismatic battery sector. It has also established a patent portfolio* protecting its key technologies to advance the technological competence of prismatic batteries and maintain technical leadership. The number of its U.S patent relevant to prismatic batteries has more than tripled over the past three years, and as of the end of 2025, it holds the most patents among competitors, at around 1,200. In other major production bases such as Europe and Korea, its patent count is also the highest. 

* Patent portfolio: a collection of patents belonging to a patent holder, aimed at protecting specific technologies and securing a technological advantage

SAMSUNG SDI’s patent portfolio primarily features market-influential key technologies with high qualitative productivity, giving it a strong competitive edge. SAMSUNG SDI has previously demonstrated its patent strength, having been listed for five consecutive years among the top 100 companies in “Innovation Momentum 2026”, a report released on the 19th by U.S.- based global patent analytics company LexisNexis. The report is based on the Patent Asset Index*, which combines the quality of a company’s patents with the scope of protection in the global market. Among all domestic battery companies, SAMSUNG SDI is the only one to have been recognized as an innovation leader for five consecutive years.  

* Patent Asset Index of LexisNexis: an indicator that comprehensively evaluates the quantity, quality and market influence of patents held by a company

This solid patent competitiveness in prismatic batteries is the result of SAMSUNG SDI’s intensive R&D investments. Its total R&D spending for 2025 reached KRW 1.4209 trillion, a 9.5% increase from the previous year, and the R&D-to-revenue ratio also rose from 7.8% in 2024 to 10.7% in 2025. 

[SAMSUNG SDI is strengthening its technological competitiveness by expanding prismatic battery-related patent portfolio alongside substantial R&D investments.]

Through broader patent coverage of both core prismatic battery technologies and related peripheral technologies, SAMSUNG SDI aims to fundamentally prevent technological imitation by competitors. It will also continue to strengthen its patent competitiveness through the strategic utilization of patents.