Korea Intellectual Property Office marks first year with 2035 time capsule

The Korea Intellectual Property Office said Thursday it marked its first anniversary with a ceremony at the government complex in Daejeon, sealing a time capsule to be opened in 2035.

The office, headed by Kim Yong-sun, was elevated from the Korean Intellectual Property Office in October last year and took on the role of overseeing and coordinating national intellectual property policy. This year also marks 80 years since the 1946 opening of the Patent Institute, the year after Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.

A commemorative video traced that history, from an 1882 petition by Ji Seok-young seeking the introduction of a "machine resale right" equivalent to today's patent rights, and the creation of the Jangnyoguk, the first dedicated patent body, during the 1894 Gabo Reforms. It went on to cover the 1946 establishment of the Patent Institute, the 1977 opening of the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the 2025 launch of the Korea Intellectual Property Office.

Staff then reviewed the office's main achievements over its first year. It has strengthened intellectual property cooperation with major countries including China and France, and has focused on turning ideas from the public into growth and on protecting Korean companies' technology and intellectual property. Its first project, "Everyone's Idea," links strong ideas to businesses or policies. The office also expanded its technology police organization and personnel against leaks of advanced core technology, and introduced a fast-track examination for exporting and startup companies with a target of screening within one month. Intellectual property financing reached 13.4 trillion won ($9.88 billion) in the first half of this year.

Looking ahead, the office plans to focus on monetizing K-intellectual property, building a K-trademark protection system through nationally certified trademarks, leading an artificial intelligence transformation in intellectual property and fostering regional intellectual property.

The event also included a virtual reality congratulatory performance, a rice cake-cutting ceremony and a group photo. It closed with the sealing of the 2035 time capsule, which holds staff members' visions and hopes for the future.

"The past year was a time to lay the groundwork for the office's new role and foundation," Kim said. "I am grateful to the staff who have worked together."

He added that the office will "create changes that people and companies can feel so that intellectual property can become a force leading Korea's innovation and growth."