35 IP investment institutions, including the Korea Fund of Funds, join the privately led initiative to build an IP investment ecosystem
South Korea's Intellectual Property Office has officially launched a standing consultative body that directly channels industry recommendations into policy reform, as part of its proactive response to on-the-ground requests from the IP investment sector.
The office announced Wednesday that it had launched the "IP-VC (venture capital) council" at L Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to build an IP investment network and discuss policy improvements.
The council brings together 35 investment institutions that manage sub-funds under the Korea Fund of Funds' patent account. To draw on specialized expertise across the investment field, the council will operate through three working groups covering deal-making and commercialization, monetization, and startup and regional investment. Field-driven reform proposals identified by each working group will be reviewed closely by the Intellectual Property Office together with Korea Venture Investment and reflected in policy, with outcomes shared back through the council.
In addition, the office will roll out a range of support measures to assist fund managers participating in the council. Benefits for participating managers include preferential support for IP valuation costs linked to investment and bonus points when applying for Korea Fund of Funds patent account commitments. Starting in 2027, the office also plans to co-host investment roadshows with the council to actively help identify investors for companies holding outstanding patented technologies.
Kim Il-gyu, director general of the IP policy bureau at the Intellectual Property Office, said the council's launch "will serve as a forum for listening closely to voices from the IP investment field and driving systemic innovation." He added that the office "will spare no policy support to boldly remove obstacles on the ground through close collaboration with the IP investment industry, so that a privately led IP investment ecosystem can take firm root."
kwonhl@heraldcorp.com
