Overview and Historical Development of Intellectual Property Laws in South Korea

Abstract

Ⅰ. Background and Purpose of Research □ The study was carried out as part of the Korea Legislation Research Institute’s legal exchange research project. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the legislative history of Korean intellectual property laws to share Korea’s legislative development experiences in the field of intellectual property law.

Ⅱ. Contents □ This study gives a brief overview of the structure and sources of intellectual property laws in South Korea. □ This study then scrutinizes the legislative history (i.e., reason for enactment, major amendments and structure of law) of Korean intellectual property laws. □ This study breaks into five chapters: 1) Overview of Intellectual Property Laws in South Korea; 2) Laws on Industrial Property and Industrial Designs; 3) Laws on Copyrights and Neighboring Rights; 4) Laws on Trademarks and Other Distinctive Signs; and 5) Laws on Plant Variety Protection.

Ⅲ. Expected Effects □ This study may serve as a brief introduction to Korean intellectual property laws in English. □ This study may serve as a guide to the legislative history of Korean intellectual property laws.