Wrapping up the three-day meeting held in the western port city of Incheon, the five countries’ IP office chiefs pledged to use artificial intelligence and other future technologies to improve the global patent registration system.

To achieve the goal, they agreed to launch a special research institute comprising patent and IT experts from the five countries. The joint group will study how to improve the administrative system using artificial intelligence and other future technologies.

Expressing confidence about Korea’s improved status in the IP area, Park said KIPO will play a leading role to improve patent systems around the world. Regarding the amount of patent applications, Korea is the world’s fourth-largest country.

“IP is the only area in which Korea is organizing a consultation body with the world’s four biggest superpowers,” he said. “I’m hoping that Korea can exercise more leadership by hosting this year’s conference.”

The five IP offices also agreed to provide easier access for those seeking patent registrations in the US. Instead of requiring applicants to provide technology information themselves, the participants agreed to allow patent authorities to exchange relevant information with each other.

“When it comes to submission of (applications related to) information and communications technology, we have agreed to replace it with a model that allows for electronic transfer between different patent authorities. We are hoping it can boost user convenience.”

Over the past decades, IP5 has been seeking to provide applicants an easier process for patent registration across the countries. For this purpose, they have been trying to align the different systems of member states. 

(jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)