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Information on the following topics is desired:
○ Development of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Databases
Since 1999, KIPO has been building search databases for domestic and overseas intellectual property rights. Currently, it acquires IPR data from 56 foreign countries, including the IP5 offices such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
In 2008, Korean patent literature was included in the PCT minimum documentation, which must be mandatorily consulted by patent offices worldwide during international patent examinations. This inclusion highlighted the importance of maintaining the quality of KIPO’s search databases. To this end, KIPO has established systems to systematically refine and process acquired domestic and foreign data for errors before incorporating them into the search databases.
○ Publication of Intellectual Property Gazettes
Since 1948, KIPO has published industrial property gazettes. In May 1998, the format was changed to CD-ROM, and since July 2001, gazettes have also been available through an online service.
On a monthly basis, gazettes are distributed via DVD and FTP to 17 countries and organizations.
In 2023, approximately 775,000 gazettes were published, contributing to the protection of applicants’ rights and safeguarding Korea’s intellectual property rights abroad.
IV. ICT SUPPORT TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION CARRIED OUT BY THE OFFICE
Information on the following topics is desired:
○ Operation of the PatentNet System
Since 1999, KIPO has been operating the PatentNet system. The application system segment comprises 35 patent administration systems covering filing, registration, examination, and trial processes, while the general administrative segment consists of 10 systems, including knowledge management, performance management, and the official website.
○ Application of AI Technology in Examination and Trial Support
In response to recent advances in AI technology, KIPO has been integrating AI into its patent administration systems to support examination and trial operations. In 2022, KIPO developed an AI-based similar patent search system, which is currently used in examination processes. From 2023 to 2024, KIPO has implemented AI-based optical character recognition (OCR) technology to automatically classify submitted documents necessary for trial proceedings, thereby enhancing patent administration efficiency
V. PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AIMED TO SUPPORT USERS IN ACCESS AND EFFICIENT USE OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN INFORMATION
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