Will Korea Keep Its National Competitiveness Secure?

Specialized patent examiners in the field of semiconductors, which has acquired crucial technologies over more than 30 years in private semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, are being further expanded this year to contribute to securing the nation’s competitiveness. Particularly, amid the global surge in the importance of securing core semiconductor technologies, their entry into public service is yielding dual benefits by preventing the overseas outflow of both talent and technology.

On Sept. 7, the Patent Office announced plans to hire additional semiconductor specialist patent examiners. This marks the second public recruitment following the hiring of 30 semiconductor private experts as examiners in March. This recruitment aligns with the Patent Office’s future strategy to provide close support for securing a global competitive edge, in conjunction with the successful operation of the semiconductor examination task force, which was established in April, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative among major countries.

Having successfully navigated a highly competitive selection process with a ratio of 6 candidates to 1 vacancy back in March, the first group of semiconductor specialist patent examiners is diligently dedicated to patent examinations related to cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. Leveraging a rich technical expertise and practical experience gained in the private sector, these examiners are playing a pivotal role in ensuring swift and accurate patent examinations. They have been assigned to various departments within the semiconductor examination task force based on their expertise and professional background. Their responsibilities include prioritized examinations of advanced semiconductor technologies and three-person collaborative assessments with existing examiners, all contributing to the efficient patent examination process.

Among the recruited experts, 22 individuals responded that they had received job offers from overseas companies or had contemplated changing jobs before accepting their current positions. Additionally, the related industry has indicated that the recruitment of experienced retired professionals from the semiconductor field as patent examiners is effective in preventing the outflow of talent or technology to foreign countries.

As a result of the first-round recruitment of semiconductor specialist patent examiners and other factors, the number of semiconductor-related examination cases in the first half of this year reached a total of 11,163, marking a 15.4 percent increase compared to the 9,676 cases during the same period last year. With the additional hiring of semiconductor specialist examiners and the expected enhancement of their examination capabilities, the rate of increase in examination cases is anticipated to further rise in the future. The ongoing recruitment for the semiconductor field comprises a total of 39 individuals. These recruits will be allocated to seven different areas: semiconductor design, semiconductor manufacturing processes, semiconductor post-processing, semiconductor substrate transport and processing devices, display materials, OLED processes and components, and specialized display technologies.

Lee In-sil, commissioner of the Patent Office, emphasized, “With this additional recruitment, the semiconductor examination task force, which already boasts outstanding semiconductor specialist patent examiners, will benefit from a more diverse range of perspectives and seasoned expertise. This will accelerate technological innovation in the semiconductor industry and serve as a crucial catalyst in elevating the nation’s competitiveness. We will also provide effective measures to address concerns about the potential outflow of core technology due to the overseas relocation of top talent, thereby supporting domestic companies.”