On September 16, 2025, the government finalized 123 national policy tasks proposed by the National Policy Planning Committee. This committee had been established on June 16, 2025 to review major national policy tasks over a 60-day period, along with their management plan.

The finalized National Agenda framework consists of five major national goals: political unity, an innovative economy, balanced growth, a solid social foundation, and diplomacy and security centered on national interests. The framework encompasses a total of 123 national policy tasks organized into 23 strategic areas, including advancing AI to become a global top-three powerhouse, strengthening national sovereignty and democracy, advancing the capital market, and promoting balanced regional development.

Although no independent agenda for the IP system was presented, we have outlined a few items that could have an impact on it, as follows.

Eradication of Technology Theft & Introduction of Korean Discovery System
 
Among the national policies aimed at achieving balanced growth, the eradication of technology theft from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been identified as a key priority. To this end, the government has proposed the introduction of a Korean discovery system. 

The specific measures to combat technology theft and the details of the proposed Korean discovery system were not officially announced this time. However, there was a Cabinet meeting on August 12, 2025 to discuss measures to eradicate technology theft from SMEs. In particular, the Minister of SMEs and Startups reportedly outlined the following three major measures currently under consideration at the meeting, and it is expected that the government will develop detailed plans and proposals based on these measures going forward:

1. Introduction of a Korean discovery system

In order to ease the burden of proof for SMEs harmed by technology theft, the government is considering introducing a Korean discovery system. Under this system, at the request of the affected party, court-designated experts would investigate and collect materials necessary to prove technology theft and calculate damages. 

2. Increasing the cap on compensation and improving the method of calculating damages

For enhanced deterrence against technology theft, the government is considering including R&D costs in the calculation of damages and raising the cap on compensation amounts.

3. Introduction of administrative fines

To strengthen penalties against technology theft, elevation of existing administrative measures, which are currently limited to corrective recommendations, to corrective orders and administrative fines is being considered. 

Additionally, the Korea Fair Trade Commission plans to strengthen its authority for ex officio investigations so that it can immediately launch on-site inspections. The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP; formerly KIPO) is also pushing to amend the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act to increase the level of criminal penalties for trade secret misappropriation.

Following the announcement of the 123 national policy tasks on September 16 by the government, the responsible government ministries are expected to establish detailed implementation plans for action tasks and carry out assigned tasks. These tasks will be reflected in the mid-term plans, budget allocations, and legal and institutional reforms of the government ministries, with a planned fiscal investment of KRW 210 trillion and 951 legislative tasks over the next five years. Accordingly, it is important to closely monitor the implementation of these policy tasks and to develop appropriate response plans. Our firm will continue to track ongoing developments and provide timely updates on relevant legal and policy support measures.