The following is a notification from Foshan Electrical and Lighting that the retrofit LED tubes do not comply with UL's safety requirements and are not authorized to bear the UL Mark for the U.S. and Canada.

Philips Lighting, a global leader in lighting, has today released findings that reveal the lack of awareness about the European Union’s ban on GU10 halogen spot lights, effective from September 1, 2016. The research found that three quarters (75%) of consumers do not know about the forthcoming ban, despite the fact that two in five (40%) are currently using halogen spot lights at home. The EU legislation was driven by the need for increased energy efficiency in order to reduce electricity consumption and cut CO2 emissions. Focus now turns to LEDs, such as the Philips LED spot classic WarmGlow, as a high-quality, alternative that looks, feels and behaves like a halogen, but is up to 90% more energy-efficient.

RetroSense Therapeutics, a privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted U.S. patent Application No. 11/036,629, entitled “Method for Augmenting Vision in Persons Suffering from Photoreceptor Cell Degeneration.” RetroSense is the exclusive licensee of this intellectual property for augmenting vision from photoreceptor cell degeneration through a license with Massachusetts General Hospital. This patent broadly covers methods for restoring or improving vision using optogenetic approaches. The allowed claims cover the use of a broad range of opsins and rhodopsins in vision restoration.

Leyard Optoelectronic acquired two Chinese LED manufacturers Linso LED, Pread, and lighting installation company Frank-Time recently.

Sharp President Tai Jeng-wu told The Nikkei and other reporters that it intended to collaborate with Japan Display Inc. (JDI) in the development of OLED displays to catch up with Korean competitors Samsung.

Tami Nadu will be implementing a state-wide streetlight upgrade in all municipalities, said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday.

Seoul Semiconductor (“Seoul”) continuously invalidated Japanese lens maker Enplas’s LED lens patents again in U.S. and Europe, and obtained the final infringement judgment from a U.S. Federal court holding that Enplas willfully infringed Seoul’s backlight system and lens patents, which has consolidated Seoul’s victory in global backlight lens patent litigations.

Since September 2009, energy consumption-relevant light sources have been disappearing step-by-step from the market. This year it’s the turn of the high voltage reflector tungsten halogen lamps as best-known representatives. These are no longer permitted to be put into circulation in the European Union from 1 September 2016 as part of the third step of Directive (EU) 1194/2012. 

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) announced that ANSI Accredited Standards Committee C78 stabilized ANSI C78.60360 American National Standard for Electric Lamps—Standard Method of Measurement of Lamp Cap Temperature Rise. This standard describes the standard method of measurement of lamp cap temperature rise which is used when testing incandescent or discharge lamps for compliance with the limits.

Lifco has signed an agreement to acquire the majority of Norwegian Nordesign AS, a supplier of LED-lighting to the Scandinavian market.

VisionChina Media ("VisionChina Media" or the "Company"), China's largest out-of-home digital television and advertising network on mass transportation systems and the leading provider of urban mass transit Wi-Fi, announced that its consolidated variable interest entity, VisionChina Media Group ("VisionChina Media Group") has entered into a new equity transfer agreement and a new profit compensation agreement (the "New Agreements") with Ledman Optoelectronic.

Sharp might be adjusting its OLED panel production plan, and move the production plant in Taiwan to a joint venture factory with Foxconn in Japan, reported Nikkei Asian Review.

Ten years after launching a gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor company, the two Ottawa-based co-founders of GaN Systems, President Girvan Patterson and CTO John Roberts have announced their retirement. Having achieved their goal of building GaN Systems into the world leading manufacturer of GaN power transistors and supplier to more than 500 customers, serial entrepreneurs Patterson and Roberts will leave their operating roles. Patterson will retain a position on GaN Systems’ Board of Directors, while Roberts will remain available to the company as an emeritus contributor.

Cree recalls about 112,500 LED T8 tube lights in U.S. and Canada over burn hazard issues.

Chinese LED manufacturers Feilo Acoustic, cnlight and Foshan Lighting announced their latest financial investments and developments.

Auckson Opto recently announced its revenue for first half of 2016, which revealed its revenue and gross margin all declined.

AUO Chairman and CEO Paul Peng applauded Taiwan’s Ministry of Economics Affairs (MOEA) plan of vertically integrating the country’s OLED supply chain, but cautioned the Taiwanese government needs to implement concrete measures and follow through, during the opening ceremony of Touch Taiwan 2016.

On August 24th, 2016, Global Sales Manager Steve Byun, Lighting Marketing Manager Brandon Lee and R&D engineers from Samsung Electronics (SAMSUNG) visited Shanghai Wellmax Lighting Industry (WELLMAX) located at Pudong New District, Shanghai. They were greeted by the CEO of WELLMAX, Yamin Wang, and WELLMAX R&D engineers.

A LED plant valuing US $34 million that will be constructed in Qatar soon, will be initially have an annual production capacity of 500,000 units, said South Korean ambassador Heung Kyeong Park.

Honolulu, a city in Hawaii, U.S., abruptly scheduled a plan to convert Oahu’s streetlights to LEDs about nine months ago but the lighting installation was delayed, due to contract issues, reported Hawaii News Now.

Greater Dandenong Council has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,974 tonne annually thanks to a new lighting project in the city. 

San’an Opto announced during first half of 2016, the company revenue was up 21.25% to reach RMB 2.78 billion (US $471.81 million), which was mainly from increased production capacity.  

Apple might be launching a premium iPhone model with a curved OLED screen display, similar to that seen in top competitor Samsung Electronics, reported Nikkei Asian Review.

MLS and Yiwu Industrial Park Committee in China signed a LED agreement on Tuesday morning, reported China Yiwu Website.

Landing International Development posted a large net loss, despite its revenues rising 3.07 times annually in first six months of 2016 to reach HK $445 million (US $57.39 million).

St. Louis, a city in Missouri, U.S. will be rolling out a US $4 million streetlight upgrade project to make the roads safer at night, reportedFox2Now.

LG Display has supplied OLED light panels to Chang’s Custom, a Korean car customizing company, to create the world’s first van equipped with OLED interior lighting.

Olympic Games Rio 2016 propelled Chinese lighting manufacturers into the international sports arena with many lighting up Olympic venues and landmarks, and helped manufacturers break the OEM stereotype in the eyes of international clients, reported Chinese language media 21st Century Business Herald.

Jufei Opto announced its total revenue soared 57.32% Year-on-Year to reach RMB 654.96 million (US $98.62 million) in first half of 2016, but its gross margin declined during the period.

Chang Wah Technology (CWTC) LED leadframe business has shown strong growth this year, as the company makes breakthroughs in pre-molded leadframe technology, reported Money DJ.com.