South Korea strengthens investigations into AI and semiconductor technology leaks
New investigative units strengthen South Korea’s response to advanced technology theft.
South Korea has restructured its specialised intellectual property investigation system to strengthen efforts against leaks of advanced technologies, including semiconductors and AI, amid growing concerns over economic security.
The reforms establish new investigative and analytical divisions while expanding the technology police force from 27 to 61 officers.
A new Technology Divulgence Police Division will investigate trade secret theft and the leakage of advanced technologies. Its 21 investigators will include specialists in electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering alongside patent examiners, attorneys and other technical experts.
The government also plans to expand investigative authority to cover violations involving National Core Technologies and National High-Tech Strategic Technologies.
A separate Intellectual Property Protection Analysis Division will use patent data and other intelligence to identify technologies, companies and institutions at high risk of technology leakage.
It will also cooperate with businesses, research organisations and law enforcement agencies to detect warning signs, support intelligence-led investigations and strengthen security awareness, particularly among smaller companies.
The restructuring creates an Intellectual Property Protection Standards Division responsible for investigative procedures, oversight and human rights safeguards.
Planned reforms in South Korea include clearer rules for compulsory investigations, external review through a Criminal Investigation Review Committee, stronger access to legal counsel, wider use of video recording and regular updates for parties involved in investigations.
Why does it matter?
As geopolitical competition increasingly centres on semiconductors, AI and other strategic technologies, governments are treating intellectual property protection as a matter of economic and national security. South Korea’s reforms aim to strengthen its ability to detect, investigate and prevent technology leakage before commercially valuable innovations are transferred abroad.
The restructuring also reflects a broader trend towards combining specialised technical expertise with intelligence-led enforcement and stronger procedural safeguards. This approach seeks to improve both the effectiveness and accountability of investigations involving advanced technologies.
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