This undated file photo provided by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute shows researchers of the government-funded institute.
DAEJEON, April 5 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has revealed that it will be establishing a Semiconductor Examination Task Force that will be dedicated to reviewing patents related to chip technology.
The patent office and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said Tuesday that the amendment to the former’s organizational structure aimed at establishing the Semiconductor Review Task Force was passed during a cabinet meeting.
Once the task force is fully operational, it will help ensure a thorough examination of the entire chip industry, while contributing to establishing a dense patent network for local companies’ state-of-the-art semiconductor technologies.
The KIPO hired 30 private sector professionals with expertise in semiconductors as examiners last month as part of efforts to prevent the technology leaks and to provide patent review services in a rapid and accurate manner.
However, existing examiners are dispersed in the electronics, chemical and machinery bureaus, making it difficult to consolidate examination capabilities and create synergy even with the addition of new personnel.
With the establishment of the task force, the KIPO’s patent review bureau will be expanded from five to six divisions. The task force will consist of six departments and teams.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
