LPKF: European Patent Office confirms essential LIDE patent

CORPORATE NEWS – HANNOVER, GERMANY, 10^TH OF MARCH 2025

The European Patent Office has confirmed the validity of a fundamental LIDE patent of LPKF Laser & Electronics SE.

The LIDE (Laser Induced Deep Etching) technology is one of LPKF's strategic growth initiatives and plays a central role in the technology company's business development. LIDE makes it possible to process glass quickly, precisely and without damage such as microcracks. This makes LIDE a key enabling technology for many application areas, such as advanced packaging, but also for the production of displays. In view of the limits of semiconductor miniaturization, major manufacturers are increasingly turning to glass as a carrier material. LIDE supports this transformation and has already proven itself in series production.

An external opposition against the 2022 granted European patent in the field of LIDE was heard in October 2024 before the Opposition Division of the European Patent Office. In the process, the latest version of the claim submitted by LPKF was fully maintained. The anonymous opposing party did not file an appeal against the decision by the deadline of February 23, 2025. This means that LPKF's many years of development work is sustainably protected by law. Furthermore, this court decision confirms LPKF's strong global IP position in the field of structuring glass components.

“In view of the rapid development in the semiconductor market, we were not really surprised that competitors are trying to position themselves in this growth area,” says Dr. Klaus Fiedler, CEO of LPKF. ”LIDE is a key technology for glass processing and there is currently no comparable process on the market. We are extremely pleased with the judgment and see this as an endorsement of our fundamental business strategy of entering new growth markets through proactive and disruptive technology development.”

The company will continue to vigorously protect its intellectual property and trademark rights to maintain its technology leadership.

ABOUT LPKF

As a high-tech mechanical engineering company, LPKF develops high-precision, scalable manufacturing processes that are used in growth markets such as semiconductors & electronics, life science & medical technology, smart mobility and research & development. Founded in 1976, the company is headquartered in Garbsen near Hanover and operates worldwide through subsidiaries and representatives. LPKF employs approx. 750 people and is committed to driving technological advancement with innovative solutions, aiming to create a sustainable positive impact on the world. The shares of LPKF Laser & Electronics SE are traded on the SDAX of the German Stock Exchange (ISIN 0006450000).