[2020 National Audit] Kim Ju-young "Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, Controversy Over Patent Infringement of Privately Shared Technology"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The three-dimensional security film anti-counterfeiting technology owned by Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) has become embroiled in a patent infringement controversy. A private company that signed a technology licensing agreement with KOMSCO and began business promotion is facing difficulties in expanding overseas due to concerns over technology infringement disputes.

On the 19th, according to the 'Legal Advisory Results on 3D Film Patents' of KOMSCO confirmed by Kim Jooyoung, a member of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, it was confirmed that patent infringement occurred regarding the three-dimensional security film anti-counterfeiting technology for which KOMSCO filed patents.

KOMSCO filed and registered six domestic patents related to three-dimensional security film anti-counterfeiting technology from 2010 to 2016. It was found that the micro-image composition and manufacturing method technology and the mold production technology for micro lenses implemented by KOMSCO using these patents have a high possibility of infringing patents held by a specific U.S. company.

The problem is that since KOMSCO signed a technology licensing agreement with a private company in 2016 and has been promoting technology transfer to the private sector regarding the three-dimensional security film anti-counterfeiting technology, this patent infringement controversy has put a brake not only on KOMSCO's use of the technology but also on the commercialization of the technology by the private company. The private company had planned to commercialize the technology and expand overseas.

Before commercializing the technology, KOMSCO received legal advice twice, in April 2018 and November 2019. Both analysis agencies presented opinions indicating the 'possibility of infringement within the scope of rights' and a 'high possibility of infringement.'

Assemblyman Kim said, "If technology with concerns of patent infringement is commercialized, not only the private company but also KOMSCO must take responsibility, and the corporation will be embroiled in international disputes. Illegal acts such as patent infringement must not occur. KOMSCO must take responsibility, investigate the background of the patent infringement controversy, and prepare measures to prevent international disputes and to ensure that private companies entering into technology licensing agreements do not suffer damage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.