특허보호가 경제 성장에 미치는 영향

Impact of the Patent System on Economic Growth

This study focuses on impact of the patent system on economic growth in Korea through economic analysis. In 1994 Korea joined the TRIPS which came into effect as of 1. January 1995. Around 1995 the number of patent applications and registrations in Korea has been greatly increased, and the patent system in Korea seemed to be largely influenced by TRIPS. However, Korea faced with IMF financial crisis in 1997, which badly influenced on economy in Korea as well as Korean enterprises. Needless to say, the number of patent applications and registrations was also greatly decreased. However, the economy in Korea has begun recovering since 2003, which positively affected the number of patent applications and registrations at the KIPO. According to the economic analysis it is shown that a policy to strengthen IP protection in Korea has positive influence on technology transfer, R&D and GDP, but not FDI. In addition, strengthening IP protection in Korea does not always concern with increase on the number of patent applications or registrations. Considering these results of economic analysis it is assumed that various political measures are still needed for maximizing positive effects of economic growth by strengthening IP protection in Korea. As to intellectual property policy in Korea the more open-door policy should be adopted so that IP protection herein may reach the protection level of developed countries.