Taiwan-based LED firms aim to expand share in the Japan market in 2013. Japan-based firms used to have strong competitive advantages due to patents. However, some of the lawsuits recently filed against Taiwan-based LED firms by Japan-based Nichia have been rejected. This means Taiwan-based firms are allowed to ship products to Japan.
According to Robert Yeh, chairman of Taiwan-based LED packaging house Everlight, the patents owned by Japan-based firms are near expiration within two years and this is a good opportunity for Taiwan-based firms to expand market share. Yeh added that Taiwan-based firms are likely to dominate the market due to superior technology and capacity.
Unity Opto stated that after winning the patent infringement lawsuit against Nichia, the firm is optimistic about 2013 sales in Japan. Market observers believe Unity Opto is likely to see Japan sales account for 10% of total revenues in 2013.
Lextar introduced the 8-foot LED tube lighting for the Japan market earlier in 2013. David Su, chairman of Lextar, has disclosed that around half of Lextar's LED lighting products are shipped to Japan. The firm plans to strengthen its presence in the Japan market.
