"Eradicating Technology Theft at Its Root"... 12 SME Technology Protection Inspectors Appointed

[Financial News] The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has officially launched the SME Technology Protection Inspector initiative to root out technology theft by large corporations. A total of 12 inspectors have been appointed across various sectors to establish a field-oriented monitoring system and to strengthen law enforcement and remedies for victims of technology theft.
On the 4th, at the Korea Fair Trade Mediation Agency in Jung-gu, Seoul, the KFTC announced the 'Measures to Eradicate Technology Theft' and appointed 12 SME Technology Protection Inspectors by sector.
The event was attended by Nam Dong-il, Vice Chairperson of the KFTC, as well as the Director General of Corporate Merger Review, the Head of the Technology Misappropriation Investigation Division, other KFTC officials, KOVA Vice President Kwon Sung-taek, and the newly appointed inspectors.
These measures were developed based on the joint government response announced last September and feedback from on-site meetings with the SME and venture business community. Key points include: establishing an intensive monitoring system for the early detection of technology theft, strengthening law enforcement, easing the burden of proof for victimized companies, and enhancing support for remedies and capacity building.
In particular, the KFTC selected 12 inspectors focusing on four sectors where technology theft is most prevalent: machinery, electrical and electronics, automotive, and software.
These inspectors will monitor unfair demands for technical data or misappropriation of technology by large corporations in the field and regularly report relevant information to the KFTC.
Reports from the inspectors will serve as grounds for the KFTC to initiate investigations ex officio, and strict penalties will be imposed if violations are found. This approach allows the collection of information on technology theft through various channels, rather than relying solely on formal complaints.
One SME Technology Protection Inspector stated, "I will work with the KFTC to eradicate even covert and indirect forms of technology theft that do not appear on the surface."
Additionally, the burden of proof for technology theft will be shifted from the victimized company to the perpetrator, and the Korean-Style Evidence Disclosure System will be introduced to significantly ease the burden of proof during litigation.
A new relief fund, financed by fines, will also be established to provide practical support to victimized companies, such as loans and legal assistance.
Nam Dong-il, Vice Chairperson of the KFTC, emphasized, "Eradicating technology theft from SMEs is crucial for achieving a fair and growth-oriented economic environment. Through a monitoring system involving both the public and private sectors, we will proactively detect technology theft and build a system where prevention, protection, and recovery work seamlessly together."
Nam also stressed, "Based on the valuable information provided by the SME Technology Protection Inspectors, we will take the lead in providing practical relief to victimized companies."
The KFTC plans to continue developing measures to foster a mutually beneficial business ecosystem where innovative SMEs and venture companies can grow.
imne@fnnews.com Hong Ye-ji Reporter