Korea committed to intellectual property protection, innovation
Korean Invention Day is an opportune moment to reflect on the spectacular achievements that have enabled the Republic of Korea to transform itself into one of the world's most technologically advanced countries. Korea is an inspiring example of how a firm commitment to innovation promotion and the protection of intellectual property rights can transform the economic outlook of a country.
In the 1960s the country's per capita income was among the lowest in the developing world. Today, it boasts one of the highest.
The foresight and wisdom of policy makers who formulated and rigorously implemented a strategic IP plan and ensured sustained investment in research and development, education and industrial infrastructure, have enabled Korea to become an industrial and technological powerhouse.
This year's Invention Day is particularly important as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean Intellectual Property Office which has played a key role in the country's economic success.
KIPO's consistent excellence in the administration of industrial property rights, and its commitment to the promotion and protection of IP rights, have been major factors in the emergence of South Korea as a leader in the strategic use of IP for economic development.
True to the pioneering spirit of innovation that has characterized the Korean people throughout history, Korea has emerged as a hub of innovation and is reaping the rewards of its sustained investment in IP.
High levels of IP awareness among the public and cutting-edge systems of IP service delivery have made the country one of the world's most IP-focused nations. Last year, Korea became the fourth largest user of WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty, the cornerstone of the international patent system, reflecting a growth rate of 26.6% as compared to 2005. Similarly in the field of the international registration of trademarks, South Korea saw a 28.4% increase in 2006 in the use of the Madrid System which facilitates the registration of trademarks in multiple countries, reflecting the expanding range of South Korean products in the international marketplace.
The Republic of Korea is a leader in IP administration consistently seeking ways to enhance the quality, efficiency and productivity of its national IP system.
One of a number of major achievements in this area is last year's reduction in the average pendency period for patent examination to some 10 months. Beyond its ground-breaking and highly innovative developments in IP administration, the country's IP authorities are actively supporting the creation and commercialization of IP through, for example, regional IP centers and patent information consulting centers.
At the international level, Korea's dynamic partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is underpinned by the shared objectives of promoting the use of the IP system to promote economic development. Various initiatives resulting from this partnership have benefited IP users the world over. The establishment of a Funds-in-Trust Arrangement between Korea and WIPO since 2004, has enabled WIPO to undertake a wide range of activities to strengthen and modernize the IP systems of many developing countries. One example is the development and launch of PCT-ROAD, a system, based on software developed by KIPO, which facilitates the management of international patent applications. PCT-ROAD has made it possible for PCT applicants in all WIPO member countries to benefit from the e-filing fee reductions when filing with their own PCT receiving office. WIPO's continued collaboration with Korea will be invaluable in encouraging the use of the IP system as a catalyst for the growth and prosperity of all nations.
Korea's IP experience is an inspiring example of what may be achieved when there is a solid commitment to innovation promotion and IP as tools to promote sustained national economic development. The continued commitment of the government and people of this country to innovation, creativity and the IP system will enable Korea to remain internationally competitive and to harness the opportunities and overcome the challenges of the future.
The writer is director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization. He contributed this article to celebrate Korean Invention Day that falls on Saturday. - Ed.
By Kamil Idris