Funds-In-Trust Korea

• Author: Tae-Geun Kim/Won-Sun Lim
• Position: WIPO Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Sector

The Republic of Korea (ROK) is party to two cooperation arrangements with WIPO under the FIT scheme: the first, covering industrial property-related projects, was set up by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) in 2004; the second, covering copyright-related activities, by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) last year. Since their inception, these funds have financed a total of 28 activities in support of 50 developing and least developed countries (LDCs).

Sharing experience

A distinctive feature of the activities funded under the Korean FIT agreements is the opportunity they provide for developing countries to share the experience and achievements of the Republic of Korea over the last 20 years in using IP as a tool to achieve national development objectives. The Korean arrangements are also notable for their flexibility. - No geographical limitations are imposed on the use of the KIPO funds, which are open to proposals from any Member States that would contribute toward the effective deployment of the resources.

The FIT arrangement with KIPO places special emphasis on support for LDCs in all regions. Projects last year, for example, included setting up an IP information center in Tanzania; with a similar center currently being established in Cambodia. It has also funded a workshop on public outreach strategies for LDCs.

Other major activities included:

* Deploying PCT-ROAD software to facilitate the procedures of PCT receiving offices in developing countries.

* Supporting SMEs by translating and customizing IP-related materials and providing expert consultations.

* Providing workshops and materials to encourage the use of patent information

* Arranging consultations with experts on IP valuation, innovation promotion, commercialization and IP asset management.

* Running interactive...