#Japan #Guinness World Records #Atsugi #Shunpei Yamazaki #Semiconductor Energy Laboratory

Dr. Shunpei Yamazaki Breaks New Ground with 20,120 Patents

Dr. Shunpei Yamazaki, the prominent figure at Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. (SEL), recently achieved a remarkable milestone by renewing his GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for having the most patents credited to him as an inventor, reaching a staggering total of 20,120 patents as of March 31, 2025. This significant accomplishment highlights not only his personal achievements but also SEL's contributions to the field of semiconductor technology.

Celebrating the Milestone

The journey to this record began long before, with Dr. Yamazaki's first notable patents dating back to 1969. Since then, his work has evolved, granting him a succession of records: 3,245 patents in 2004, 6,314 in 2011, and 11,353 in 2016. The latest verification was conducted by six intellectual property experts on July 9, 2025, culminating in a formal recognition on September 17, 2025. This comprehensive verification included patents from various countries, including Japan, the United States, South Korea, China, and Germany, thus showcasing the global impact of his innovations.

Remarkably, Dr. Yamazaki's total exceeds that of legendary inventor Thomas Edison, who held 2,332 patents throughout his life, further underlining the scope of his contributions to the engineering field.

The Impact of Patents

Dr. Yamazaki expressed pride in this accomplishment, stating, "More than 20,000 patents are the result of nearly 60 years of research. Encouraged by this record, we will continue to promote the development of technologies such as ultra-low power consumption LSIs and analog AI that can help prevent global warming." This statement reflects a commitment not only to innovation but to addressing critical global challenges.

The focus of these patents encompasses a wide range of semiconductor devices, display technologies, and advancements in analog AI, all of which play pivotal roles in modern electronics and sustainable technology. SEL's dedication to research ensures that they lead in the development of ultra-low power consumption large-scale integrated circuits (OSLSI), organic electronic displays, and other breakthrough technologies.

About Dr. Shunpei Yamazaki

Dr. Shunpei Yamazaki is not only a notable inventor but also the chairman and CEO of SEL. With a Doctorate in Engineering, he founded the company in 1980, driving its mission towards groundbreaking semiconductor innovations. His awards and recognitions include the Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese Government in 1997 for his contributions to MOS LSI technology. In addition, he is a distinguished member of various international academic societies and has been recognized by Doshisha University with an honorary doctorate.

His groundbreaking work includes the invention of flash memory, a key component in modern computing, and the development of sensitive MOS LSI devices, which have become fundamental to many electronic applications.

Looking Ahead

The achievements of Dr. Yamazaki and Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. are indicative of the potential for innovation when talent, perseverance, and vision converge. As they continue to push the boundaries of technology with a focus on sustainability, we can expect even more groundbreaking developments in the realm of semiconductors and AI, propelling the industry towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.

As the world grapples with climate change and the need for energy-efficient technologies, the work at SEL is not merely about patents—it is about forging a path towards a sustainable world through advanced technology. The journey of Dr. Yamazaki serves as an inspiring testament to what can be achieved through dedicated research and a commitment to excellence in the field of engineering and applied science.