Samsung Group said Sunday it would open up about 38,000 patents to small and mid-sized firms with aims to support a business ecosystem for IT start-ups and venture firms.

Of the patents owned by key affiliates, including Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display and Samsung SDI, some 3,400 patents will be offered free of charge, the group said.

The group plans to receive applications for the patent use and offer related consultations through its Creative Economy Innovation Center in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, from Monday.

Starting with some 120 companies in the region, the group will expand the patent sharing with other firms in the future.

“We are not just opening up the patents but also offering matching services for different firms that would offer them specific benefits,” said Kim Seon-il, head of the center.

The center opened in December as part of a series of government-driven regional offices aimed at nurturing start-ups and venture companies across industries in collaboration with major conglomerates. Samsung also set up a related 30 billion won ($27 million) fund.

(jylee@heraldcorp.com)