Full-Scale Discussion Begins on Introduction of the 'K-Discovery System'

National Intellectual Property Committee to Hold the 5th IP Policy Forum on the 4th

A forum will be held to conduct an in-depth discussion on the results of collecting opinions from the industry and the details of the proposed legislation ahead of the introduction of the Korean-style evidence collection system (K-Discovery system).

The National Intellectual Property Committee announced on the 3rd that it will hold the '5th IP Policy Forum of 2025' on the morning of the 4th at the Seoul Press Center.

As global competition for technological supremacy intensifies, there is a growing call for the urgent introduction of a Korean-style evidence investigation system, or the 'K-Discovery system,' in patent infringement lawsuits, so that domestic innovative companies can protect the legitimate rights of their patented technologies and compete fairly in the market.

The discovery system is a key procedure in patent infringement lawsuits that compels the parties to the lawsuit to submit evidence from the opposing side, thereby clarifying the facts transparently. The United States and the United Kingdom have already adopted this system, establishing fair rules of engagement in corporate disputes and providing substantial protection to victims.

In contrast, Korea has yet to fully establish a sufficient evidence disclosure system, resulting in frequent cases where victims are unable to prove evidence in cases of intellectual property infringement, technology theft, or unfair trade practices, and therefore lose their cases. In particular, the information gap between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises is causing structural unfairness.

Recognizing these issues, President Lee Jaemyung also pledged the introduction of K-Discovery as a detailed task for achieving a fair economy in his last presidential campaign. In response, the National Intellectual Property Committee is also promoting the introduction of K-Discovery as one of the national key IP policy agendas of the Lee Jaemyung administration.

Kwanghyung Lee, Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Committee, is speaking at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

In the four previous high-level IP policy forums, issues among relevant agencies and stakeholders have been narrowed through intense debate and consultation. At this 5th IP Policy Forum, there will be an in-depth discussion on the results of collecting opinions from the industry regarding the introduction of the Korean-style evidence collection system and the status of bills submitted to the 22nd National Assembly.

The current amendment includes all the supplementary measures gathered through previous feedback, such as: allowing court-appointed experts to enter infringement sites and conduct necessary evidence investigations; recording statements between parties under the supervision of court staff outside the courtroom on facts necessary for litigation; and issuing preservation orders to prevent the destruction of materials required to prove infringement or calculate damages.

Kwanghyung Lee, Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Committee, said, "Based on this discussion, we will begin earnest legislative efforts to introduce K-Discovery," adding, "Through innovative and competitive intellectual property policies, we will actively support the Lee Jaemyung administration's 'real growth' initiative."