Demand for outdoor equipment requiring portable power generators is on the rise thanks to the proliferation of mobile gadgets and a growing public interest in outdoor recreational activities. (Image: Gmarket Screenshot)
SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — Demand for outdoor equipment requiring portable power generators is on the rise thanks to the proliferation of mobile gadgets and a growing public interest in outdoor recreational activities.
To meet this demand, a host of ideas have been lodged with the Korean Intellectual Property Office; on January 30, the patent approval authority stated that applications pertaining to such technologies had jumped from 10 in 2013 to 33 last year.
All told, in the five years since 2013, 97 patent applications were filed.
Portable solar chargers can function as either standalone solar power cells or as portable power sources for gadgets in need of a charge.
As portable solar chargers can provide energy for wearables and IoT devices, the role they are expected to play in the coming Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to be highly significant.
To meet this demand, a host of ideas have been lodged with the Korean Intellectual Property Office; on January 30, the patent approval authority stated that applications pertaining to such technologies had jumped from 10 in 2013 to 33 last year. (Image: Korean Intellectual Property Office)
Among the patent applications, 38 percent were suggestions regarding portable lights and other camping goods, and 19 percent were ideas for solar chargers that could power smartphones and other devices.
Though only 8 percent of the patent applications pertained to wearables, the keen interest in these devices suggests that R&D in this particular area should become more prominent going forward.
Portable solar chargers can function as either standalone solar power cells or as portable power sources for gadgets in need of a charge. (Image: Korean Intellectual Property Office)
At 94 percent, the vast majority of all applications were submitted by South Korean nationals. SMEs and “individual applicants” were equally responsible for 80 percent of that 94 percent.
Among the patent applications, 38 percent were suggestions regarding portable lights and other camping goods, and 19 percent were ideas for solar chargers that could power smartphones and other devices. (Image: Gmarket Screenshot)
An official at the Korean Intellectual Property Office said consumer interest in portable energy sources would likely continue for the foreseeable future.
S.B.W. (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)
