19 Cases of Overseas Display Technology Leaks Detected Over 5 Years... Technology Security Association Launches 3rd Term

"Protecting National Core Technologies Including Creating Export Security Guides"

It was revealed that there were 19 cases of core display technologies being smuggled abroad over five years. In response, the Korea Display Industry Association announced on the 25th the launch of the third term of the Public-Private Display Industry Technology Security Council.

The association reported that from 2017 to 2022, there were 19 cases of display technology being transferred overseas and detected. This number was higher than those in semiconductors (17 cases), electrical and electronics (17 cases), automobiles (9 cases), information and communications (8 cases), and shipbuilding (8 cases).

The total number of technology leak cases, including those not detected, reached 112 during the same period. Small and medium-sized enterprises with weak security capabilities accounted for the largest share with 68 cases (60.7%). Large corporations accounted for 35 cases (31.3%), and universities and research institutes accounted for 9 cases (8%).

Attempts are increasing where industry insiders smuggle technology abroad or where competing countries such as China try to seize entire technologies through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or joint ventures with domestic companies.

In 2020, two researchers from domestic company A conspired with domestic equipment company B and others to smuggle the world's first mass production inkjet printing technology for large OLED (organic light-emitting diode) to China.

Last year, a Chinese company attempted to acquire 100% of the shares of a domestic small but strong company that holds several patents for LCD (liquid crystal display) and OLED laser repair equipment.

Inauguration Ceremony of the 3rd Term of the Display Industry Technology Security Council. [Photo by Korea Display Industry Association]

The association launched the third term of the Industrial Technology Security Council and decided to produce and deliver export security guides to companies.

The council includes the association, the National Intelligence Service Industrial Confidentiality Protection Center, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, 17 companies in display panels and materials, parts, and equipment (MPE), as well as experts from academia, patents, and law.

The third term of the council plans to present companies with manuals on national core technology export approval procedures. The export security guide is scheduled to be distributed in October.

Lee Dong-wook, vice chairman of the association, said, "We are now in an era of technological hegemony competition, and disputes over trade secrets and technology leaks are evolving into large-scale international conflicts. While securing new markets such as Vietnam and India beyond China, it has become more important than ever for the industry to collectively raise security awareness to avoid the boomerang effect caused by technology leaks."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.