Assemblyman Kim Han-jung, "Sharp Increase in Attempts to Leak Core Technologies to Foreign Companies"

60 Trillion Won Scale of SME Technology Theft... 45,000 Jobs Lost
"KIPO Plays an Effective Role in Preventing Technology and Trademark Theft and Overseas Leakage"

[Office of Assemblyman Kim Han-jung]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Kim Han-jung, a member of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea (Namyangju-eul), pointed out the seriousness of technology theft from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the distribution of counterfeit goods, urging the government to take measures.

According to data released by the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) from Kim Han-jung's office, damages from technology theft and counterfeit goods distribution affecting SMEs have surged, with economic losses reaching up to 60 trillion won and 28 trillion won respectively, resulting in the loss of approximately 45,000 jobs.

Attempts to leak domestic core technologies such as semiconductors to foreign companies also occur frequently. Among a total of 774 cases of industrial technology leakage over the past five years, 40 cases involved overseas leakage.

Recently, advanced technology such as semiconductor cleaning equipment blueprints from Semes, a semiconductor subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, was leaked to China.

Kim Han-jung emphasized, "Creating jobs is important, but protecting existing jobs is equally important," adding, "Protecting our companies' technology and trademarks well is the way to safeguard jobs, and the role of the Korea Intellectual Property Office is crucial."

He further urged, "The Korea Intellectual Property Office should increase investigative personnel and make greater efforts to expand and strengthen cooperation with related agencies such as the prosecution, police, National Intelligence Service, and local governments to effectively prevent technology and trademark theft and overseas leakage."

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