The patent dispute between Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics looks as if it will never stop. Because the dispute between these companies is always the hot issue, it is easy to think that patent infringement and dispute only revolves around these two companies. But that is absolutely not true. The number of patent dispute among a lot of companies around the world held in courts is rapidly increasing worldwide, not to mention the dispute between Korean companies and others.
Though the amount of dispute is increasing, when it comes to countermeasures against patent suit, Korean companies seem to be in a very vulnerable position. Seeing the nip and tuck conflict between Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics , you might think, “What seems to be the problem?” But that is a perfect misunderstanding.
First of all, Korean companies should strategically purchase patents. While Korean companies spend a great deal of money- up to two trillion won- for patent suits, companies such as Apple Inc., Google and Microsoft Corp. spend that amount of money purchasing patents. The problem originates from Korean companies’ cognition about patent. Korean companies think that patents only come from research and development(R&D) spots. But other companies believe that patents should be purchased.
Secondly, all the patent duties should be done at the same place. World major companies like Apple Inc., Google and 3M are dealing with patent application and strategy at the same area. However, Korean companies get those things done separately. So, differences in opinions often exist and this results to a difficulty integrating opinions that will be used to defend at the court.
Lastly, patent and IP holding companies need to be established. By making a separate holding company, the management and application of patent will be done more professionally and easily. For instance, 3M IPC, a patent holding company of 3M, do all the works related to patent like strategy establishment, lawsuit and patent exchange.
The number of people engaging in patent jobs has increased in Korea. But it looks like a better patent job system should be formed.
