Korea signs three-way MOU to boost 'K-Sensor' patent competitiveness

South Korea is set to strengthen the intellectual property competitiveness of its sensor industry through an industry-government-academia partnership framework.

The Korea Intellectual Property Office signed a three-way MOU with the Korea Sensor Industry Association and the Korea Sensor Society on Friday at the Korea Intellectual Property Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, aimed at boosting sensor technology competitiveness and building a foundation for high-quality patent examination.

The three organizations plan to establish a field-centered industry-government-academia cooperation model to support K-Sensor's competitiveness in the advanced sensor sector, which has emerged as a key battleground in the global technology race.

To that end, the organizations will make active use of their respective professional platforms — including Smart Sensor Korea, an exhibition the Korea Sensor Industry Association is opening July 8, and the Korea Sensor Society's spring and autumn academic conferences. Starting next year, the partnership will roll out substantive support programs, including joint technology seminars and patent consulting services for startups.

Jo Yeong-gil, director general of the Mechanical and Metallic Examination Bureau at the Korea Intellectual Property Office, said sensor technology is "the core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the eyes of industry," adding that the office would do its utmost to ensure "this agreement serves as a solid foundation for our sensor companies to step onto the world stage armed with the powerful weapon of patents."