Annual Technical Report on Trademark Information Activities in 2024 submitted by
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the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)
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Information on the following topics is desired:
○ Operation of KIPRIS
Since 2000, the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS) has provided the general public with free access to domestic and international intellectual property information.
In 2024, the KIPRIS website’s interface and functions were completely overhauled for the first time in 12 years. As of 2024, KIPRIS offers industrial property rights information from 29 countries, as well as non-patent literature.
Through various communication channels, such as user forums and supporter programs, KIPRIS collects feedback for service improvement. In 2024, the user satisfaction score for KIPRIS reached 89 points, an increase of 2.15 points compared to the previous year.
○ Expansion of Public Data Access
Through KIPRIS Plus, KIPO provides patent information to the private sector via Open APIs, bulk data downloads, and online download services.
The range of IP data made available includes patents, utility models, trademarks, designs, intermediate file packages, trial information, and foreign patents — totaling approximately 126 types of open data products. As of now, these IP data products are utilized in about 5,072 cases.
III. SOURCES OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE
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 TRADEMARK 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 TRADEMARK INFORMATION
Information on the following topics is desired:
○ Establishment of a Customer-Centered Civil Service System
Every year, KIPO formulates and implements plans to improve civil administration and related systems, systematically addressing and rectifying customer dissatisfaction.
To enhance the quality of civil administrative services, an annual intellectual property customer satisfaction survey is conducted.
KIPO operates a public idea contest on intellectual property information policy to gather citizens’ suggestions for improving patent administration systems and services, which are then utilized in policy formulation.
VI. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF TRADEMARK INFORMATION
Information on the following topics is desired:
○ TM5 Cooperation Framework
In 2011, KIPO officially joined the existing TM3 cooperation framework between the United States, Japan, and Europe. Subsequently, in 2012, China officially joined, expanding the framework to TM5.
In 2023, as the chair country of TM5, KIPO hosted the Trademark and Design Forum, as well as the TM5 mid-term and annual meetings. These meetings discussed the direction of trademark systems to respond to changes in the trademark environment such as technological advancements like AI and the expansion of e-commerce.
○ Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
In 2024, KIPO plans to hold director-level meetings with patent offices from countries including the United States, China, Japan, and Europe to discuss cooperation in intellectual property fields addressing global issues such as new technologies including AI inventions.
○ Region-Specific Tailored Cooperation
KIPO is expanding cooperation with regions such as ASEAN, the Middle East (including the UAE and Saudi Arabia), and Latin America.
VII. ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WIPO STANDARDS CONCERNING TRADEMARK INFORMATION
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