Korea and Japan Launch Continuous Intellectual Property Policy Cooperation After 45 Years

For the first time in 45 years, the intellectual property exchange system between Korea and Japan is undergoing a significant transformation. The longstanding practice of holding a single annual joint board meeting is being replaced by a continuous "regular policy cooperation" system. This development was announced on June 16 by the Korea Patent Attorneys Association and Japan’s Lawyers Society following their joint board meeting held on June 11 in Tokyo, Japan.

Since exchanges began in 1981, cooperation between the two countries’ IP communities had been limited to yearly meetings. The newly established "Korea-Japan Lawyers Society Working Group" will convene experts from both nations periodically to collaboratively study and develop major intellectual property policies and systems.

The working group will include specialists from relevant fields in Korea and Japan who will share their experiences in policy implementation and system operation. Key areas of discussion include intellectual property finance, valuation and utilization; corporate intellectual property disclosure systems; discovery (evidence disclosure) procedures in IP disputes; corporate confidentiality rights; and changes in intellectual property systems following the spread of artificial intelligence (AI).

By closely exchanging policy implementation experiences and real-world industrial cases, the two organizations aim to accelerate the establishment of a virtuous cycle ecosystem. This ecosystem is intended to extend beyond the traditional creation and protection of IP, such as patents, to encompass valuation, finance, investment, and commercialization.

Chairman Jeon Jong-hak of the Korea Patent Attorneys Association emphasized the significance of this transition, stating, "If the past 45 years have been a time to build trust in the two countries’ border societies, we will connect that trust to policy achievements in the future to lead to corporate growth and strengthening national competitiveness. We will develop each other’s systems and create practical solutions by linking the experiences and strengths of Korea and Japan."

The Korea Patent Attorneys Association plans to expand its international cooperation efforts by engaging with major organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and counterparts in the United States, Europe, and China. This initiative aims to position the association as a key conduit for private-sector international collaboration within the Korean intellectual property sector.

This strategic shift reflects a mutual commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in intellectual property policy, fostering innovation and competitiveness in both countries’ industries through sustained dialogue and joint problem-solving.

The establishment of the Korea-Japan Lawyers Society Working Group marks a new chapter in cross-border intellectual property relations, signaling a move toward more dynamic and ongoing collaboration between Korea and Japan in addressing evolving IP challenges and opportunities.