LG's Unfinished Dream 'Rollable Phone'... Samsung Files Patent for 'Galaxy Z Roll'

European Patent Office to Publish Trademark Applications on the 18th

Source=European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), LetsGoDigital

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] The first player in the rollable phone market is expected to change following the cancellation of the launch of the world's first rollable smartphone, the 'LG Rollable (tentative name)'. Samsung Electronics is tightening its grip by filing patents related to rollable phones after developing next-generation displays.

According to Dutch IT media LetsGoDigital and others, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) revealed the trademark 'Galaxy Z Roll' filed by Samsung Electronics on the 18th (local time). The trademark was classified under Class 9, which includes smartphones and tablet PCs. This is presumed to be a new patent related to Samsung's rollable phone.

Display technologies to be equipped in Samsung Electronics' next-generation Galaxy smartphones were also recently unveiled. Samsung Display showcased new products such as the S Foldable, Slidable, 17-inch Foldable, and UPC (Under Panel Camera) at 'Display Week 2021,' the world's largest display exhibition held online in the U.S. on the 17th (local time).

News about Samsung's rollable phone development became more concrete in November last year. LetsGoDigital reported that Samsung was developing a rollable phone called 'Galaxy Z Roll,' with a form factor that expands from 6 inches when folded to up to 8 inches. It was also predicted that the S Pen would be included. A 3D video featuring expected images of the Z Roll, created in collaboration with Dutch renowned 3D designer Jermaine Smit, was also presented.

The market had expected LG Electronics to claim the 'first' title in the rollable phone market. However, LG Electronics announced its withdrawal from the smartphone business earlier this year, leading to the discontinuation of the LG Rollable (tentative name) just before its release. Although a teaser video was unveiled at CES 2021 this year, signaling an imminent launch, the product has now faded into history.

Among Chinese companies, Oppo and Xiaomi are closely pursuing the market. Samsung's rival Apple is also reportedly showing interest in the rollable phone market by filing patents related to scroll-type and slide-type displays.