Intellectual Property Office marks 1 year, protecting tech and K-brands

South Korea's Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) marked its first anniversary by detailing its achievements in fostering national growth through the expansion and protection of advanced technologies and the safeguarding of Korean brands.

KIPO established an expedited review track for advanced technologies, offering patent review services within one month. Initially introduced in October for export companies in cutting-edge fields, the service was expanded in February to include startups in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology. This system has significantly accelerated patent registration, with a domestic secondary battery company securing a patent in 19 days, aiding its global market entry, and an AI startup obtaining a patent in 17 days for investment attraction.

To prevent the leakage of national core technologies, KIPO's special judicial police, known as technology police, have investigated 334 individuals over the past year. In one significant case last year, the arrest of an individual involved in secondary battery technology leakage prevented over 10 trillion won (approximately $7.3 billion) in damages. In February, a foreigner attempting to smuggle solid-state battery technology overseas was apprehended.

KIPO has also implemented measures to protect domestic brands, referred to as K-brands. Starting in August, the government will implement a 'K-Brand Government Certification System,' where it registers national certification marks in approximately 70 key export countries to authenticate K-brand products. The government will take action against counterfeit products using these certified marks. Furthermore, KIPO has strengthened its surveillance and blocking of counterfeit goods, integrating AI technology to expand monitoring from 8 to 115 countries. In collaboration with the Korea Customs Service and the Korea Communications Standards Commission, a three-tiered blocking system (border, access, and sales) has been established, preventing 480,000 online sales of counterfeit goods in the past year.

The office also held an idea competition, 'Ideas for Everyone,' which received over 27,000 submissions, with 100 selected ideas slated for recognition, commercialization, or integration into government policy. KIPO has also expanded IP (intellectual property) financing, providing loans, guarantees, and investments to help intellectual property generate revenue. The scale of IP financing is projected to reach 12.4 trillion won in 2025, a 14.8% increase from 10.8 trillion won in 2024.