The Global Tech Competition Battleground is 'Intangible Assets' [Tech War, The Birth of Advanced Nations]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Lee Jong-ho, appointed as the first Minister of Science and ICT under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and director of the Semiconductor Research Center at Seoul National University (photo), is renowned for developing the world's first 'Bulk FinFET' technology. Bulk FinFET is a three-dimensional semiconductor device technology used in smartphones, tablet PCs, and more. Minister Lee made headlines by receiving approximately 10 billion KRW in royalties (technology usage fees) from Intel for this technology. Thanks to holding patents not only in Korea but also in the United States, he was able to secure rights to the technology.

Unlike Intel, Samsung Electronics used the Bulk FinFET technology without paying royalties and eventually ended up in a lawsuit, paying a higher price. This is a clear example showing the difference in perception of intellectual property (IP) value between domestic conglomerates and global companies.

Baek Dong-seok, Vice President of Intellectual Discovery, a specialized intellectual property company, said, "Intel actively came to Korea to negotiate the payment of royalties for the Bulk FinFET technology," adding, "American companies, based on their accumulated experience and know-how, know exactly what actions to take when patent infringement lawsuits or disputes arise."

The issue is not about who paid how much. The perception of intangible assets by companies influences not only corporate competitiveness but also national competitiveness. There are clear limits to competitiveness based solely on manufacturing industries that produce and sell goods. It is important to remember that Disney earns 70 billion USD (approximately 90 trillion KRW) annually from intellectual property income alone.