KIPO, AI-Based Trademark and Design Search... Examination Speed and Accuracy 'UP'

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) will provide related services starting from the 15th by establishing an AI-based image search system. Example materials for using the search system. Provided by KIPO

[Asia Economy (Daejeon) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) announced on the 14th that it has developed and is operating a trademark and design image search system applying artificial intelligence technology.

The system will be launched on the 15th and is expected to be utilized in examination and trial tasks. KIPO expects that the system's launch will innovate the examination methods of trademark examiners, significantly reduce the time required for searches, and improve the accuracy of examinations.

To build the system, KIPO used over 2 million trademark and design images in its possession as AI training data and conducted two years of research validation, implementation, and pilot operation.

The main function of the system is to support examiners' examination and trial tasks by sorting search results comparing applied images with previously registered images in order of similarity. The AI searches thousands of image data that examiners need to review per examination case and organizes similar images to enhance the speed and accuracy of examination and trials.

Notably, the system can recognize partial images within images combining multiple shapes, enabling partial image searches.

For example, when an examiner searches for a bag image, the system allows simultaneous searching of similar images of the bag's shape as well as logos and characters printed on the bag. It also automatically recommends classifications for trademarks and designs to support assigning classification codes.

Meanwhile, KIPO completed the application of AI technology last year in digitizing written documents, translating overseas patent literature, and recognizing patent drawing symbols. This year, it is conducting research and development on public consultation chatbots, intelligent patent searches, and automatic classification.

Park Jong-joo, Director of the Information Customer Support Bureau at KIPO, said, “By applying AI technology to trademark and design image searches, we expect to support faster and more accurate examinations,” adding, “KIPO will continue to strive to accelerate digital transformation in the field of intellectual property administration.”