'IP Dispute Doctor' service opens applications for individual export firms
The "IP Dispute Doctor" service, which has provided intellectual property education to associations and related organizations in major export consumer goods sectors, will now extend its support to individual companies.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO), led by Commissioner Kim Yong-seon, announced Monday that it is expanding its on-site "IP Dispute Doctor" service to small and medium-sized export enterprises, with applications opening in July.
Any company currently exporting or preparing to export is eligible to apply, regardless of size — even a single company can request the service.
Companies select their areas of interest — patents, trade secrets, trademarks, design rights or other fields — and submit an application. A team of specialist attorneys and patent agents from the IPO then visits the company to provide a tailored diagnosis and recommendations based on the firm's industry, target export markets and specific dispute risks. Where needed, the service can also connect companies with related support programs, including patent dispute response strategy assistance and K-brand dispute support.
Companies wishing to participate can fill out an application form posted on the IPO's website. Accepted applications will be handled on a rolling basis through the end of the year, taking into account each company's region, industry and areas of interest.
Park Jin-hwan, director general of the IPO's Intellectual Property Dispute Response Bureau, said the on-site support initiative is "the first step in proactive administration to prevent intellectual property disputes before they arise for companies expanding overseas." He added that the agency would "continue to expand on-site, tailored diagnosis, recommendations and education support centered on the areas and challenges that our export companies need."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
