Lightbridge Receives Notification of Patent Grant from the Korean Patent Office

Rhea-AI Summary

Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR) announced the granting of a divisional patent by the Korean Patent Office for a new CANDU fuel assembly design. This patent, based on a 2015 PCT application, enhances Lightbridge's global patent protection for its metallic fuel technology. CEO Seth Grae highlighted Korea's market potential, with 25 operational and 5 planned pressurized water reactors by 2025. Lightbridge is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology aimed at carbon-free energy solutions, supported by a robust patent portfolio.

Positive

• Grant of divisional patent enhances global patent protection.
• Significant market potential in Korea with 25 operational and 5 planned reactors.

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• None.

RESTON, Va., Aug. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, today announced that it has received a Notice of Patent Grant for a divisional patent from the Korean Patent Office based on the 2015 Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent application related to a CANDU fuel assembly design incorporating Lightbridge metallic fuel rods arranged into a mixed grid pattern that includes a first, rectangular grid pattern and a second, triangular grid pattern.

Seth Grae, President and CEO of Lightbridge commented: “This latest patent in Korea further expands the broad global patent protection already surrounding our fuel design. Korea represents a significant potential market for Lightbridge metallic fuel with 25 operating pressurized water reactors and an additional 5 reactors either under construction or planned by 2025, according to the most current data compiled by the World Nuclear Association.”

About Lightbridge Corporation
Lightbridge (NASDAQ: LTBR) is an advanced nuclear fuel technology development company positioned to enable carbon-free energy applications that will be essential in preventing climate change. The Company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for small modular reactors, as well as existing large light-water reactors, which significantly enhances safety, economics, and proliferation resistance. To date, Lightbridge has been awarded twice by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program to support development of Lightbridge Fuel™. Lightbridge’s innovative fuel technology is backed by an extensive worldwide patent portfolio. Lightbridge is included in the Russell Microcap® Index. For more information, please visit: www.ltbridge.com.

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Forward Looking Statements

With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the timing and outcome of research and development activities, other steps to commercialize Lightbridge Fuel™ and future governmental support and funding for nuclear energy. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this news release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from such estimates. The risks include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to commercialize its nuclear fuel technology; the degree of market adoption of the Company's product and service offerings; the Company’s ability to fund general corporate overhead and outside research and development costs; market competition; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; dependence on strategic partners; demand for fuel for nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors; the Company's ability to manage its business effectively in a rapidly evolving market; the availability of nuclear test reactors and the risks associated with unexpected changes in the Company’s fuel development timeline; the increased costs associated with metallization of our nuclear fuel; public perception of nuclear energy generally; changes in the political environment; risks associated with the further spread of COVID-19, including the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on people, economies, and the Company’s ability to access capital markets; risks associated with war in Europe; risks associated with limited availability of conversion and enrichment services for nuclear fuel production; changes in the laws, rules and regulations governing the Company’s business; development and utilization of, and challenges to, our intellectual property; risks associated with potential shareholder activism; potential and contingent liabilities; as well as other factors described in Lightbridge's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lightbridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Lightbridge’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements”, all of which are available at http://www.sec.gov/ and www.ltbridge.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
Director of Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (646) 828-8710
ir@ltbridge.com

FAQ

What is the recent patent grant announcement from Lightbridge Corporation?

Lightbridge Corporation announced the granting of a divisional patent by the Korean Patent Office for a new CANDU fuel assembly design.

What is the significance of the patent grant for Lightbridge Corporation?

The patent grant expands Lightbridge's global patent protection for its metallic fuel technology, crucial for market competitiveness.

How many pressurized water reactors are in Korea according to Lightbridge Corporation's announcement?

According to the announcement, there are 25 operational pressurized water reactors and an additional 5 planned by 2025 in Korea.

What does Lightbridge Corporation focus on?

Lightbridge Corporation focuses on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology aimed at enabling carbon-free energy applications.

What is Lightbridge Fuel™?

Lightbridge Fuel™ is a next-generation nuclear fuel technology developed by Lightbridge for small modular reactors and existing large light-water reactors.