From commercialized technology to LMR and dry-electrode innovations, LG Energy Solution invested a record 1.3 trillion won in R&D last year, aiming to build a virtuous cycle where rewards for innovation fuel further breakthroughs.
![Employees at LG Energy Solution's Yeouido headquarters pose for a commemorative photo marking the company's milestone of surpassing 100,000 patent filings. [LG Energy Solution]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/21/news-p.v1.20260621.63d16c1a3e864db2a6ce0bad5d221c7e_P1.jpg)
LG Energy Solution has written a new chapter in the global battery industry.
The company announced Sunday that its global patent filings had surpassed 100,000 — based on internal tallies as of last month — while registered patents stood at approximately 59,000. LG Energy Solution is the first battery company in the world to cross the 100,000 threshold for global patent filings.
The company attributed the milestone to its strategy of treating patents as a core strategic asset and a key driver of future growth, backed by a sustained expansion of research and development investment to strengthen its technological leadership.
LG Energy Solution crossed the 1 trillion won (about $656 million) mark in annual R&D spending for the first time in 2023, then set a new record last year with 1.3277 trillion won invested in R&D. The company said it plans to continue aggressive investment and sustained technological innovation to secure overwhelming competitive advantages that will lead the battery market of the future.
Among LG Energy Solution's flagship "premium patents" are commercialized technologies in materials, cells, packs and manufacturing processes already validated in the market. These include a safety-reinforced separator (SRS) that coats the separator surface with ceramic particles and a polymer binder, a double-layer coating (DLD) applied to the anode — a world first — and carbon nanotube (CNT) pre-dispersion technology, all representing differentiated process technology patents.
In addition, the company has built a solid patent portfolio spanning core materials technologies, including high-voltage electrolytes, high-capacity high-nickel cathodes, mid-nickel NCM (NCM523, 622) and silicon anodes. These technologies have in fact underpinned a string of consecutive victories in overseas patent litigation.
LG Energy Solution is not only advancing its existing technological capabilities but also accelerating the development of new technologies to lead future markets. Under its "Winning Tech" strategy, the company is focusing selectively on key next-generation technologies that will serve as future growth engines, positioning itself to capture leadership in the next-generation battery market.
Prismatic LMR (lithium manganese-rich) batteries represent one of the company's flagship next-generation patent areas. LG Energy Solution began building its patent foundation in LMR cathode and silicon anode combination technology ahead of the broader industry push to secure related intellectual property, and the technology is expected to serve as a core platform in the future commercialization of LMR batteries.
Dry-electrode technology is another key area. The next-generation manufacturing process uses solid powder instead of organic solvents, improving both production efficiency and environmental sustainability. LG Energy Solution has secured approximately 450 related patents, strengthening its competitive edge in next-generation production processes.
![An aerial view of LG Energy Solution's factory in Holland, Michigan. [LG Energy Solution]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/21/news-p.v1.20260621.9037265373094f998f4052c2c816f168_P1.jpg)
LG Energy Solution views patents not merely as a tool for rights protection but as a core asset and engine of future growth. The company has focused not only on expanding the quantity of its patents but also on raising their qualitative competitiveness — consistently working to secure high-quality "premium patents" that combine strong technical merit, broad rights coverage and robust protection.
To that end, the company has embedded an "IP R&D process" that pursues patent filings in parallel from the earliest stages of technology development, converting the accumulation of time into a competitive advantage.
LG Energy Solution takes a firm stance against patent infringement in order to establish a market order in which the value of core technologies is properly recognized. The company reinvests compensation won through patent litigation into future technology development and R&D, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation.
In addition, the company is expanding patent openness and technology exchange to help foster a fair industry ecosystem. It plans to ensure that value generated from its patent assets leads to further innovation, driving sustainable growth and development across the battery industry.
"The 100,000 patents are not just a number — they are the fruit of relentless research, development and challenge," said Lee Han-sun, executive vice president and head of the patent group at LG Energy Solution. "We will continue to accelerate future growth on the foundation of foundational technologies and premium patents, and build a virtuous cycle in which fair rewards for technological innovation lead to new breakthroughs."
Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution is also actively developing reward systems to encourage technological innovation and support the sustainable growth of its employees.
Last month, the company held its "2026 Invention King and Filing King Awards" ceremony at its Yeouido Park One headquarters to recognize employees who filed outstanding patents across all areas, including LMR batteries, cylindrical 46-series cells and next-generation pack designs. Twelve researchers who produced exceptional results were selected and honored at the event.
likehyo85@heraldcorp.com
