| Funds-in-Trust (FIT) Korea |
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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) in 2006. Since their inception, these funds have financed a total of 28 activities in support of 50 developing and least developed countries (LDCs).
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 Intellectual Property (IP) as a tool to achieve national development objectives. 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 in 2006, for example, included setting up an IP information center in Tanzania; with a similar center currently being established in Cambodia.
Other major activities included:
- Deploying PCT-ROAD software to facilitate the procedures of PCT receiving offices in developing countries.
2. Supporting SMEs by translating and customizing IP-related materials and providing expert consultations.
3. 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 sessions on the use of the PCT and the Madrid System.
- Holding international seminars and workshops on emerging IP issues in cooperation with KIPO’s training arm, the International Intellectual Property Training Institute (IIPTI).
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