Chapter 113: Launch
“Sir, I have something to report.”
Chilbong raised his hand during the emergency meeting.
“Go ahead.”
“Over the past few days, while reviewing the A-Core series developed by Ahsung, I found something unusual.”
The room fell silent at Chilbong’s discovery.
Chilbong connected his laptop to the screen and displayed the data.
“This is the block diagram of the L2 cache controller for the A-Core X1.”
“Hmm… So, what’s your point?”
The block diagram alone didn’t reveal much.
“While porting the AP diagnostic tool, I traced some of the structure through the debugging code. I found a structure similar to the patent you registered, sir.”
Chilbong clicked to the next slide.
The screen showed the interrupt synchronization method between the L2 cache management algorithm and the power management circuit.
Next to it was a patent number registered under my name: [KR102224305B] Low-Power Mobile Cache Interrupt Parallel Processing System.
That’s the patent I registered in advance, thinking of the ‘IceCore’ series.
I looked at Chilbong with a puzzled expression.
“I think you registered this patent with the semiconductor business in mind, sir.”
I nodded at Chilbong’s words.
“It’s a core technology essential for producing high-performance APs.”
The team leaders in the meeting gasped.
Whispers of “What can’t the CEO do?” filled the room. But I was more curious about what Chilbong was getting at.
As if reading my thoughts, Chilbong zoomed in on the A-Core X1’s structure.
“Here, you can see that part of the ‘Low-Power Mobile Cache Interrupt Parallel Processing System’ patent is reflected in the X1.”
“It does look similar to the technology I registered.”
“To be more precise, it seems like an early version of the parallel interrupt system.”
It wasn’t as refined as my patent, but the structure matched.
Was the parallel interrupt system applied to the A-Core series?
Before the regression, even though I was recognized for my skills in the camera module division, I was first assigned to Ahsung Electronics’ mobile division, not the semiconductor division I wanted.
So, while I knew some details about the semiconductors produced during this period, I didn’t know everything.
“Are you saying Ahsung deliberately stole our patent?”
“Given the significantly lower refinement, it doesn’t seem intentional.”
I agreed.
The developers likely applied the structure to improve performance without realizing I held the patent.
Seong-hwan chimed in, excited.
“So, the A-Core X1 that Ahsung is delaying has our patent in it?”
“Not just the X1, but the S series too.”
Seong-hwan laughed at Chilbong’s response.
“Brother—I mean, sir, this is huge, isn’t it?”
Huge? Absolutely!
I couldn’t stop the corners of my mouth from turning up.
“What should we do?”
I looked at Executive Vice President Hong Chung-ki.
“Send Ahsung Electronics an official technical objection letter regarding the patent use.”
Hong Chung-ki immediately took out his notebook.
“Should I draft the wording?”
“Yes, the key point should be a request to halt production and commercial distribution of the X1, as no formal cross-licensing agreement has been made.”
“We can use this as leverage to secure the X1 supply.”
I nodded at Seong-hwan’s words.
“If we can’t use the X1, no one else should either. And if they agree to supply the X1, ask for an additional 20% discount.”
If they used my patent, they should pay for it.
“Wow, Chairman Cheon of Ahsung will be furious.”
Not just furious—the entire Ahsung Group would face his wrath.
Condolences to Ahsung Group employees…
“What the hell is this?!”
Chairman Cheon Ho-tae’s outburst left the executives in the room breathless. Only Executive Vice President Won Chang-hui, head of the semiconductor division, dared to respond.
“We never imagined Dojin held that patent…”
Before Won could finish, Chairman Cheon slammed the table.
“So, it’s true our A-Core series uses their patent?”
“…Yes.”
At that word, a vein bulged on Chairman Cheon’s forehead.
“You idiot! As head of the semiconductor division, how could this happen? Is that all you have to say?”
While Won faced Chairman Cheon’s fury, the other executives bowed their heads, fearing his wrath.
After venting for a long time, Chairman Cheon finally calmed down.
“Tell those Dojin bastards they won’t get a single dime from me.”
Director Kim Seong-jae cautiously spoke up.
“…Chairman, we can’t ignore Dojin’s demands. If we don’t comply, production and commercial distribution of the entire A-Core series could be halted.”
Chairman Cheon glared.
“That’s absurd. It’s just a partial patent, right?”
“The patent is critical, and the parallel interrupt system is planned for the upcoming X2 and X3 as well…”
Won trailed off, and Kim continued.
“…If Dojin takes this to international litigation, our entire AP export line could be blocked.”
Chairman Cheon silently read the letter on the screen.
[Technical Objection Letter]
We have confirmed that our patent (KR102224305B) is unauthorizedly used in your A-Core series products.
This patent, Low-Power Mobile Cache Interrupt Parallel Processing System, is integral to your product’s core computation structure.
Without a cross-licensing agreement,
we will pursue legal action, including a preliminary injunction to halt production and commercial distribution.
After reading the last sentence, Chairman Cheon turned back.
“…They’re demanding a 20% discount?”
“They’re also asking for a guaranteed supply of 3 million units, 40% of the X1 production.”
Chairman Cheon tapped the table silently.
The situation was clearly unfavorable. Despite his rising anger, he had to concede to avoid greater losses.
“Accept their terms, but negotiate the details further.”
A 20% discount seemed excessive, even for using the patent.
But Kang Tae-joon, knowing the AP profit margin exceeded 40%, wouldn’t accept Ahsung’s offer.
“And Won, you—”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“By next week, bring me a plan to avoid Dojin’s patent in future models. Understood?”
“…Yes.”
This time, they were caught off guard, but for Ahsung, a global semiconductor leader, to infringe on a patent from a newly established company was humiliating for Chairman Cheon.
“From now on, patent clearance will be the top priority for all new models to prevent such mistakes.”
“Of course.”
Chairman Cheon’s expression remained grim, even as other subsidiaries reported.
They too had to endure his frustration.
A few days later, “Quantum Launch” signs appeared nationwide in stores and online malls.
Long lines formed at telecom stores as people bought the Quantum. Some retailers sold out their initial stock just from pre-orders.
“Six thousand units sold in the first week, brother.”
“And the Titan?”
“Around four thousand. The response isn’t as good as the Quantum.”
Still, four thousand was better than expected.
Ahsung’s brand can’t be underestimated.
Many loyal customers bought Ahsung products without hesitation.
“Let’s check the feedback first.”
Seong-hwan, sitting on the sofa, clicked into the forum.
└ The Quantum is amazing! The colors are stunning.
└ Did you get Aurora Black?
└ Yes! How did they create this color?
└ Whoever designed it, as a guy, I think the Quantum looks way better than the Titan.
└ Not just the design—the touch response is incredible.
└ I bought it as a smartphone, and it’s surprisingly useful.
└ I love how easy it is to browse the internet and check emails.
└ I got one for my parents, and they’re amazed by the photo swiping.
“The feedback is fantastic!”
“It’s definitely not bad.”
The response was hotter than expected.
Next, I checked the Titan’s forum.
└ The specs are good, but something feels off.
└ The touch response is laggy. Is it just mine?
└ Mine too. It’s inconvenient.
└ The OS is terrible.
└ It has many features, but I don’t know what to do with them.
└ The design is okay, but there are no useful apps.
Unlike our product, the Titan’s feedback was mostly negative. Overall, it lacked a decisive impact.
“Hmm…”
I tapped the table after reading the comments.
The Quantum’s response and initial sales were good, but it wasn’t a massive hit.
People still don’t fully grasp the need for smartphones.
Despite some convenient features, smartphones were new, and people questioned their necessity.
“To boost sales, we need to change perceptions about smartphones.”