Various ‘E-government systems’ using state-of-the-art IT technologies are continuously infiltrating foreign markets.
According to the KIPO announcement on April 9th, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has selected KIPO (Commissioner: JUN, Sang Woo) as the development partner for the online international patent E-application system. In addition, WIPO has selected KIPO as the operating/servicing agency for patent information in Asian region.
With these partnerships in place, Korea is expected to rise as the hub for Asian patent information. Upon the request of WIPO, KIPO has developed the PCT-ROAD System, allowing international patent applications to be received electrically. The system has been implemented in 7 countries, including Israel, Egypt, India, Philippines, and Vietnam. This year, Spain, Thailand, and Singapore are requesting the use of this system.
KIPO and WIPO are planning to develop a new system where the online E-application function is added to PCT-ROAD system. The new system will be provided to patent offices around the world starting next year.
Last 29th, Korea Customs Service (Commissioner SUNG, Yoon Gap) opened a Commissioners’ Meeting in the Dominican Republic. Both commissioners agreed to establish a cooperative channel to exchange information on customs renovation examples, to share experiences on E-administration promotions, and to support swift clearance.
In this meeting, Korea Customs Service opened a presentation on an E-clearance system for about 250 customs officials of the Dominican Republic. Between May and August, Korea Customs Service is planning to enter a provisional contract after going through the bidding process.
Public Procurement Service (PPS) is also actively promoting foreign export of an E-procurement system.
Narajangteo, the E-procurement system developed for PPS, is the world’s largest cyber market, where a yearly amount of KRW 43 trillion (USD 44 billion) is transacted. Last year, the governments of Pakistan and Vietnam completed the survey of appropriateness. The system is about to enter its exporting contract.
PPS has also visited Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, and GSA to open a presentation introducing E-procurement examples.
Mr. Lee, Jae Yong, chief of PSS’ Information Management Division, commented, “With its competitiveness in the IT area, Korea is actually receiving a lot of attention from other countries. This year, we will put effort to provide our system to foreign countries.”