Interview with the Korea Intellectual Property Association (KINPA)

1/ When was KINPA founded, how did it evolve since its foundation, and what are the main objectives related to the intellectual property rights ecosystem?

Founded in 2008 with 67 member companies, KINPA (Korean Intellectual Property Association) has expanded to about 260 members, distinguishing itself as a unique industrial association in Korea. KINPA partners with government departments and overseas institutions to enhance the IP ecosystem.

KINPA aims to foster growth and synergy through corporate cooperation. This is achieved via eight standing subcommittees that focus on various IP topics, facilitating information sharing and study activities among IP practitioners to address and disseminate the latest IP issues.

KINPA also supports IP managers in extending their influence beyond their companies through regular exchanges with government departments and other organizations. It strives to reflect the voices of Korean companies in government policies and laws. Internationally, KINPA builds cooperative relationships with global IP experts and organizations, providing members with opportunities to participate in international events.

2/ How does KINPA position itself locally and internationally when different IP matters/issues come up to comment on?

KINPA has played a key role in establishing Korea as an IP leader by fostering cooperation among domestic companies. This cooperative spirit has extended to international issues, with KINPA actively participating in global activities such as the IP5 User Meeting and INTA Meeting. Representing Korean industry, KINPA co-hosted the IP5 Meeting in Korea alongside the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). KINPA aims to contribute to a harmonious global IP system through balanced coordination and cooperation both domestically and internationally.

3/ How does KINPA relate to the official IP bodies and decision-making authorities?

KIPO has a broader role compared to its counterparts in the US or Japan, often seeking cooperation from private companies. KINPA voices industry opinions on key issues such as the Employee Invention Compensation System and contributes to law and policy formation through research and proposals.

KINPA member companies also engage in various government projects, providing instructors and evaluators for KIPO’s initiatives. As a consortium, KINPA ensures that decisions reflect the collective agreement of its members. This grassroots approach, with active participation from member company IP experts, is a core strength of KINPA.

4/ What are KINPA’s regular annual activities? Could you please tell more about the upcoming KINPA’s Annual Forum in October? (the programme, the main themes to be discussed, etc.)

KINPA hosts two major annual events: the General Workshop and the Conference. The General Workshop, held in the first half of the year, is a training event for member company employees. The Conference, held in the second half, is a global gathering attracting IP professionals worldwide.

The KINPA Conference, initiated in 2008, is Korea’s largest IP-related event, focusing on current IP issues and networking. Last year’s event saw nearly 1,300 attendees, mostly IP professionals from Korean companies. This year’s themes include IP Intelligence, IP Dispute, Brand with AI, Trade Secret, and Next IP, featuring presentations, expert lectures, and panel discussions.

This year’s KINPA Conference will be held at the Shilla Seoul, Korea on October 16-17, just before 2024 AIPPI World Congress in Hangzhou, China, and its early bird registration will begin on August 1, 2024. Detailed information will be available on the conference website (https://kinpa-conference.com) from August 1. Non-members can register as observers, and a partnership with AIPPI offers a 20% discount for AIPPI members attending the KINPA Conference.