Korea Intellectual Property Office to launch technology-leak advisory panel

The Korea Intellectual Property Office said Tuesday it will launch an advisory committee on technology leaks and theft, drawing on outside specialists to strengthen investigations as methods become more sophisticated and evidence collection grows more difficult.

The office announced an expanded response framework for technology leaks and theft on June 30. The committee will support the framework's application in actual cases. The office plans to use advice from experts in criminal law, investigative practice and digital-evidence forensics to upgrade investigative policy and develop practical, systematic remedies for Korean businesses harmed by leaks or theft of advanced technology.

The inaugural event and first meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Korea Intellectual Property Center in Seoul's Gangnam district, will include an overview of technology-protection policy trends and presentations on cases and patterns of technology leaks and theft. The meeting will also include a presentation on effective intellectual-property protection under the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and advisers' views on institutional changes, practical experience, cases and specific improvements.

Kim Yong-seon, the office's commissioner, said the KIPO technology police are "the country's only specialized investigative organization for technology leaks and theft." "Going forward, we will do our utmost to become a frontline defender of our technology by improving both technical expertise and investigative capacity," Kim said.