Hanmi Science’s Ji-Yeon Han Honored by Korean Patent Attorneys Association for IP Leadership

Ji-Yeon Han, Executive Director and Head of the Intellectual Property (IP) Team at Hanmi Science, has been formally recognized for her outstanding contributions to enhancing intellectual property competitiveness. The Korean Patent Attorneys Association selected her as one of 43 distinguished contributors to the advancement of patent, trademark, and design systems, awarding her a commendation from the Commissioner of Intellectual Property.

The award was presented during the Korean Patent Attorneys Association’s 80th anniversary celebration held on June 26 at the association’s headquarters in Seocho-dong, Seoul. This milestone event honored a diverse group of patent attorneys, corporations, research institutions, public organizations, and journalists who have played pivotal roles in strengthening industrial competitiveness through innovation and IP system development.

Hanmi Science emphasized that this recognition reflects external validation of the company’s R&D-driven management philosophy and its strategic approach to intellectual property. The company has consistently integrated patent strategies, rights acquisition, overseas applications, and licensing support from the earliest stages of new drug development. This approach ensures that its research and development achievements transform into globally competitive assets.

Hanmi Group has been actively expanding its IP portfolio, securing domestic and international rights for its R&D assets, which include biopharmaceuticals, combination and improved drugs, and platform technologies. This comprehensive IP strategy underpins the company’s efforts to maintain a competitive edge in the global pharmaceutical market.

Beyond domestic achievements, Executive Director Han has also engaged on the international IP stage. From July 12 to 14, she participated as a Korean speaker at the “AIPPI Trilateral Meeting 2026” held in Guilin, China. Her presentation focused on “AI & IP: Bridging Innovation, Creation and Protection,” addressing key intellectual property considerations related to AI technology development in Korea.

The AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property), established in 1897, comprises approximately 9,000 members from 110 countries. The Trilateral Meeting, rotating among Korea, China, and Japan, covered topics such as AI and intellectual property, overseas application strategies, divisional applications and double patenting, and recent changes in IP systems across these countries. Executive Director Han contributed to discussions comparing regulatory environments and industry responses internationally.

Looking ahead, Hanmi Science plans to further strengthen its intellectual property strategies to safeguard its global R&D achievements and ensure that technological innovation translates into business competitiveness. The company also aims to deepen engagement with international IP networks to effectively respond to evolving technological landscapes in AI, biotechnology, and platform technologies.

Executive Director Han remarked, “For research and development outcomes in new drugs to be fully recognized for their value in the global market, it is essential not only to innovate technologically but also to have intellectual property strategies that can protect and expand that innovation. We will continue to reinforce the IP foundation that underpins Hanmi’s R&D competitiveness, and proactively respond to changes in the global IP environment.”