The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(7)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

A local expert in Indonesia pictures potential changes in the region that the AEC may bring in the upcoming days. "People in Vietnam will start to learn the Thai language to drive taxies in Bangkok. There will be Laotians who will pick up Javanese text books to become cab drivers in Jakarta."

Actually, Singapore has been importing housekeepers from its neighbors, Indonesia and the Philippines in particular. However, it will be highly likely that more human resources in various fields of the region will cross the borders of the ASEAN members with no limitation. In doing so, physical barriers will be torn down and regional exchanges and trades will be fairly accelerated.

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(6)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

However, situation would be different if joint efforts of the 10 countries to cope with superpowers is designed and carried out. As the old saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall", the countries will have their confidence built up step by step. 

The economic clout will be further strengthened if the ASEAN succeeds in actualizing the AEC. Consequently, the influence of the AEC on the regional security issues will be also growing bigger. Against this background, hopes are high that the beginning of the AEC will serve an opportunity to create a new landscape for the 21st century.

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(5)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

For example, Singapore is acclaimed to be in the rich Northern Hemisphere while Cambodia only records per capita GDP of about 1,000 USD. In this sense, it is no wonder that a tough itinerary is anticipated on the way to the substantial integration of the AEC. In spite of the skepticism raised, the importance of the birth of a sizable single economic community shouldn’t be underestimated. 

Along with Africa and South America, the ASEAN has been called as the symbol of underdeveloped areas. Thus, major powers like America, the EU and China would remain invincible if the ASEAN members try to compete with them individually.

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(4)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

Even short-term outlook is not an easy thing to challenge as emerging markets with high volatility consist of most parts of the region. This could explain why negative voices concerning the future of the AEC started to be echoed. The question is whether the AEC can evolve itself something beyond a regional agreement body. 

Doubts are cast upon the significant disparity of the social and cultural environment among the member countries. In addition, neither a single currency nor a central decision-making tower as those in the EU can't be found. There exists considerable economic gap in the region as well. 

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(3)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

The AEC has been expected to draw huge attention from the international society ever since it came into the world. It isn’t too much to say that agendas of the AEC blueprint 2025 such as elimination of tariffs, facilitation of skilled labor mobility, liberalization of investment and promotion of connectivity have been greatly valued to the global community. 

In fact, meaningful progress was already achieved since more than 70% of the intra-regional trade has been conducted free from any types of tariff. What will be the ASEAN like in the time of the AEC? It may be too early to forecast the AEC in 10~20 years when the AEC just pulled up its anchor. 

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(2)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

However, all countries may share their uniformed look at the 'AEC(ASEAN Economic Community)'. It is because the AEC came to the 2nd year of its ambitious inauguration 47 years after the establishment of the ASEAN in 1968. Along with the ASEAN Political-Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, the concept of the AEC was born from the ASEAN 2025 adopted by the leaders of the ASEAN. 

According to the AEC blueprint 2025, part of the ASEAN 2025, the AEC rests on four pillars: a single market and production base, a competitive economic region, equitable economic development, and integration with the global economy.

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea(1)

The foundation of the AEC and its implication for South Korea

The ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the 7th largest economy in the world, seems quite noisy in the wake of the new year, 2017. Assassination at the airport of the capital city of Malaysia triggered huge fury from all over the world as the North Korean regime is suspected of the mastermind of the incident. 

While Myanmar is under international criticism for the massacre of its minority group, Indonesia sees social conflict with controversy of the majority religious party’s alleged attempt to exercise influence on the political sector. 10 ASEAN members are faced with their own weighty political or diplomatic issues as mentioned. 

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(6)

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

However, venture capitals, symbols of adventurous money would remain indifferent unless they feel confident of more gains than losses by stepping into the digital frenzy in Southeast Asia. This also holds true to Korean startups and venture capitals gearing up to carve out the Southeast Asian market. 

Local startup founders have made unanimous voices that success stories of mainland Chinese startups have inspired them a lot. It is a shame that Korean startups are rarely mentioned for role models of Southeast Asian young entrepreneurs. Beginning with promising industries including fintech, education and mobile games, now is the right time for Korean startups to hit the digital road hard in Southeast Asia.

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(5)

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

This could explain why global investment experts have been paying close attention to this area where youngsters covering around half of the overall population are jumping on the brand new era of digital economy. There are yet pending issues to tackle in startup fever in Southeast Asia. 

Poor IT infrastructures in non-urban areas, shortage of high-skilled workforces and widespread financial illiteracy have chronically taken roots in most parts of Southeast Asia. With the exception of Singapore, capital markets and legal and institutional systems for startups in the region aren’t well devised and developed as well. 

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(4)

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Why startup markets in Southeast Asia are much spotlighted? High growth potential in the region would be singled out above all things. The number of internet users in key countries of Southeast Asia like Vietnam and the Philippines has been increasing the fastest in the world. 

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, whopping 120,000 online users are newly reported in the region on a daily basis. There is further prediction that 480 million people almost nearing the entire population of the EU (European Union) will be accessed to internet in Southeast Asia by 2020. 

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(3)

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

To name a few, startups aiming for improving the productivity of aquaculture industries or producing eco-friendly shopping bags to provide customized solutions for Southeast Asia where primary industries still considerably counts are loomed large. In addition, indigenous family conglomerates have joined the startup wave by setting up venture capitals and navigating business chances. 

This is no exception to Korean investment firms. As centered on Indonesia and Vietnam, two countries in the region respectively representing the maritime and the continental Southeast Asia, news of Korean venture capitals eagerly exploring lucrative investment opportunities are heard now and then.

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(2)

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Consequently, unicorn startups, privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion has been emerging one by one. Lazada, an e-commerce platform in Singapore and Gojek, an Indonesian app-based ride-hailing service provider are presentable cases. It is mainly young Southeast Asians equipped with experiences of studying in Western countries who initiated startup craze in the region. 

As more and more young generations across the region rush to kick off their own companies, business models of startups are getting shaped up in a various way. For example, attempts to introduce mobile technology to region-specific circumstances have been drawing huge attention. 

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(1)

Startup boom in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Startup boom deserves to be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia these days. Startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentums. As a matter of fact, locally born leaders of the digital economy such as Grab in Malaysia which acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber in early 2018 have been acclaimed for changing the conventional industrial map in the region. 

According to Tech in Asia, a Singapore-based online technology media, startups in Southeast Asia enjoyed as much as $7.9 billion in investment in 2017. This figure is more than tripled than the total startup investment of $2.5 billion in 2016. This is far startling because investment in Southeast Asian startups failed to reach even $1 billion in 2013. 

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(7)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

This also holds true to Korean startups and venture capitals gearing up to carve out the Southeast Asian market. Local startup founders have made unanimous voices that success stories of mainland Chinese startups have inspired them a lot. 

It is a shame that Korean startups are rarely mentioned for role models of Southeast Asian young entrepreneurs. Beginning with promising industries including fintech, education and mobile games, now is the right time for Korean startups to hit the digital road hard in Southeast Asia.

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(6)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

There are yet pending issues to tackle in startup fever in Southeast Asia. Poor IT infrastructures in non-urban areas, shortage of high-skilled workforces and widespread financial illiteracy have chronically taken roots in most parts of Southeast Asia. 

With the exception of Singapore, capital markets and legal and institutional systems for startups in the region aren’t well devised and developed as well. However, venture capitals, symbols of adventurous money would remain indifferent unless they feel confident of more gains than losses by stepping into the digital frenzy in Southeast Asia.

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(5)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

High growth potential in the region would be singled out above all things. The number of internet users in key countries of Southeast Asia like Vietnam and the Philippines has been increasing the fastest in the world. According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, whopping 120,000 online users are newly reported in the region on a daily basis. 

There is further prediction that 480 million people almost nearing the entire population of the EU (European Union) will be accessed to internet in Southeast Asia by 2020. This could explain why global investment experts have been paying close attention to this area where youngsters covering around half of the overall population are jumping on the brand new era of digital economy.

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(4)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

In addition, indigenous family conglomerates have joined the startup wave by setting up venture capitals and navigating business chances. This is no exception to Korean investment firms. 

As centered on Indonesia and Vietnam, two countries in the region respectively representing the maritime and the continental Southeast Asia, news of Korean venture capitals eagerly exploring lucrative investment opportunities are heard now and then. Why startup markets in Southeast Asia are much spotlighted?

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(3)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

It is mainly young Southeast Asians equipped with experiences of studying in Western countries who initiated startup craze in the region. As more and more young generations across the region rush to kick off their own companies, business models of startups are getting shaped up in a various way. 

For example, attempts to introduce mobile technology to region-specific circumstances have been drawing huge attention. To name a few, startups aiming for improving the productivity of aquaculture industries or producing eco-friendly shopping bags to provide customized solutions for Southeast Asia where primary industries still considerably counts are loomed large.

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(2)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

According to Tech in Asia, a Singapore-based online technology media, startups in Southeast Asia received as much as $7.9 billion in investment in 2017. This figure is more than tripled than the total startup investment of $2.5 billion in 2016. This is far alarming because investment in Southeast Asian startups failed to reach even $1 billion in 2013. 

Consequently, unicorn startups, privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion has been emerging one by one. Lazada, an e-commerce platform in Singapore and Gojek, an Indonesian app-based ride-hailing service provider are presentable cases.

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(1)

Right Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

Startup boom can be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia this year. This may not sound familiar to most Koreans except for those involved in the IT industry or venture capital sectors. However, startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentums. 

In fact, locally born leaders of digital economy such as Grab in Malaysia which recently acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber have been acclaimed for changing the conventional industrial map in the region.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(10)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Overall assessments on criteria encompassing maternal mortality ratio, share of seats in parliament and labor force participation ratio of India turned out alarmingly low. This result clearly demonstrates the homework lying in the bottom of the Indian society. 

Startups armed with progressive social awareness can play significant roles in dissolving the messy fundamental public services especially those in education and health for the future of their country. This is none other than a right time for startups in India should open their eyes to Southeast Asia and try to learn the best lessons from their neighbors.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(9)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Truly, more and more startups in Southeast Asia are joining to unravel rampant shortages and inefficiencies of basic public services including primary education and health on the spot. 

According to this year’s release of UNDP (United Nations Development Plan) on GII (Gender inequality Index), India was ranked 127th among the 189 surveyed nations in the world. All 10 members in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) received higher scores than India in terms of women’s social status.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(8)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Now the thing is not in quantity but in quality in India. In spite of the snowballing increase in the number of Indian startups, not many young CEOs seem fascinated in jumping into the public sector. Most local startups have been allegedly involved in the apparently growing and thus lucrative business fields such as e-commerce, accommodation and transportation industries. 

Of course, this is no exception to their peers in Southeast Asia. However, continuous efforts to tackle long distorted public services have been reported from Southeast Asia. For instance, Halodoc, an Indonesian health tech startup, has been providing tele-consultations with doctors, pharmacy delivery, and at-home lab services through its mobile application with reasonable price options to remedy the underprivileged public access to the medical service.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(7)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Under this circumstance, the Indian government has also come up with a new initiative, ‘Startup India’, to foster startup ecosystems in the country since 2015. The purpose of Startup India is to generate startup-friendly environments for young entrepreneurs to unfold their unfettered business spirit in the ever-changing digital period. 

Presence of as many as 22,000 startups in operation across the country has been partly attributed the government program backed by the latest strong economic growth. In fact, Bengaluru in the Southern part of India, often termed as the Indian Silicon Valley, has even claimed the second place in the list of best locations for launching tech startups globally.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(6)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

What has been undergoing in Southeast Asia can be observed in India as well. It is mainly because India is fairly conditioned with established resources needed for nurturing entrepreneurship in the wake of the digital era. It is little doubt that India has been highly appreciated for its top-notch technology and IT manpower in an international stage. 

The fact that India has made it to develop and discharge its own nuclear weapons and artificial satellites shows the state-of-the-art level of scientific achievements of the country. Additionally, as widely known, some CEOs of top-tier multinational technology companies like Google, Microsoft and Nokia have been supplied from the vast pool of Indian IT talents.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(5)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

With the exception of Singapore, capital markets and legal and institutional systems for startups in the region aren’t well devised and developed as well. However, venture capitals, symbols of adventurous money would remain indifferent unless they feel confident of more gains than losses by stepping into the digital frenzy in Southeast Asia. This also holds true to Korean startups and venture capitals gearing up to carve out the Southeast Asian market. 

Local startup founders have made unanimous voices that success stories of mainland Chinese startups have inspired them a lot. It is a shame that Korean startups are rarely mentioned for role models of Southeast Asian young entrepreneurs. Beginning with promising industries including fintech, education and mobile games, now is the right time for Korean startups to hit the digital road hard in Southeast Asia.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(4)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, whopping 120,000 online users are newly reported in the region on a daily basis. There is further prediction that 480 million people almost nearing the entire population of the EU (European Union) will be accessed to internet in Southeast Asia by 2020. 

This could explain why global investment experts have been paying close attention to this area where youngsters covering around half of the overall population are jumping on the brand new era of digital economy. There are yet pending issues to tackle in startup fever in Southeast Asia. Poor IT infrastructures in non-urban areas, shortage of high-skilled workforces and widespread financial illiteracy have chronically taken roots in most parts of Southeast Asia.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(3)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

To name a few, startups aiming for improving the productivity of aquaculture industries or producing eco-friendly shopping bags to offer publicly-customized solutions for Southeast Asia where primary industries still considerably counts are loomed large. In addition, indigenous family conglomerates have joined the startup wave by setting up venture capitals and navigating business chances. 

Why startup markets in Southeast Asia are much spotlighted? Hugh growth potential in the region would be singled out above all things. The number of internet users in key countries of Southeast Asia like Vietnam and the Philippines has been mounting the fastest on the planet.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(2)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Consequently, unicorn startups, privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion, has been emerging one by one. Lazada, an e-commerce platform in Singapore and Gojek, an Indonesian app-based ride-hailing service provider are well-known cases. It is mainly young Southeast Asians equipped with experiences of studying in Western countries who initiated startup craze in the region. 

As more and more young generations across the region rush to kick off their own companies, business models of startups are getting shaped up in a various way. For example, attempts to introduce mobile technology to region-specific circumstances have been drawing enormous attention.

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services(1)

Startup fever in Southeast Asia and its implication for India to improve indispensable public services

Startup boom deserves to be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia these days. Startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentum. As a matter of fact, locally born leaders of the digital economy such as Grab in Malaysia which acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber in early 2018 have been acclaimed for changing the conventional industrial map in the region. 

According to Tech in Asia, a Singapore-based online technology media, startups in Southeast Asia enjoyed as much as $7.9 billion in investment in 2017. This figure is more than tripled than the total startup investment of $2.5 billion in 2016. This is far startling because investment in Southeast Asian startups failed to reach even $1 billion in 2013. 

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(6)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

With the exception of Singapore, capital markets and legal and institutional systems for startups in the region aren’t well devised and developed as well. However, venture capitals, symbols of adventurous money would remain indifferent unless they feel confident of more gains than losses by stepping into the digital frenzy in Southeast Asia. This also holds true to Korean startups and venture capitals gearing up to carve out the Southeast Asian market.

Local startup founders have made unanimous voices that success stories of mainland Chinese startups have inspired them a lot. It is a shame that Korean startups are rarely mentioned for role models of Southeast Asian young entrepreneurs. Beginning with promising industries including fintech, education and mobile games, now is the right time for Korean startups to hit the digital road hard in Southeast Asia.

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(5)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, whopping 120,000 online users are newly reported in the region on a daily basis. There is further prediction that 480 million people almost nearing the entire population of the EU (European Union) will be accessed to internet in Southeast Asia by 2020. 

This could explain why global investment experts have been paying close attention to this area where youngsters covering around half of the overall population are jumping on the brand new era of digital economy. There are yet pending issues to tackle in startup fever in Southeast Asia. Poor IT infrastructures in non-urban areas, shortage of high-skilled work forces and widespread financial illiteracy have chronically taken roots in most parts of Southeast Asia. 

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(4)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

In addition, indigenous family conglomerates have joined the startup wave by setting up venture capitals and navigating business chances. This is no exception to Korean investment firms. As centered on Indonesia and Vietnam, two countries in the region respectively representing the maritime and the continental Southeast Asia, news of Korean venture capitals eagerly exploring lucrative investment opportunities are heard now and then. 

Why startup markets in Southeast Asia are much spotlighted? High growth potential in the region would be singled out above all things. The number of internet users in key countries of Southeast Asia like Vietnam and the Philippines has been increasing the fastest in the world. 

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(3)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

It is mainly young Southeast Asians equipped with experiences of studying in Western countries who initiated startup craze in the region. As more and more young generations across the region rush to kick off their own companies, business models of startups are getting shaped up in a various way. 

For example, attempts to introduce mobile technology to region-specific circumstances have been drawing huge attention. To name a few, startups aiming for improving the productivity of aquaculture industries or producing eco-friendly shopping bags to provide customized solutions for Southeast Asia where primary industries still considerably counts are loomed large.

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(2)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

According to Tech in Asia, a Singapore-based online technology media, startups in Southeast Asia received as much as $7.9 billion in investment in 2017. This figure is more than tripled than the total startup investment of $2.5 billion in 2016. This is far alarming because investment in Southeast Asian startups failed to reach even $1 billion in 2013. 

Consequently, unicorn startups, privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion has been emerging one by one. Lazada, an e-commerce platform in Singapore and Gojek, an Indonesian app-based ride-hailing service provider are presentable cases.

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(1)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

Startup boom can be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia this year. This may not sound familiar to most Koreans except for those involved in the IT industry or venture capital sectors. However, startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentums.

In fact, locally born leaders of digital economy such as Grab in Malaysia which recently acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber have been acclaimed for changing the conventional industrial map in the region. 

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(16)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

Against this background, my wish is that my subject will play a role of a stepping stone for full-fledged exploration on this issue in the mid-long term. If government officials get practical ideas from my project and put them into actions, it will be my excellent pride. This research involves three countries in Northeast Asia. 

This frontier quest will prove itself to be useful contents to all related parties in the region if relationship among Korea, Japan and China sees rooms for improvement, as a result. If so, it goes without saying that my reputation as an expert on issues of intellectual property rights will be shining. 

As such, I will have more chances to study on this field and even probably draw attention internationally. On this token, an exclusive and high-quality research will be of great help not only to myself but also to the growth of my organization, Korean Academy of Commodity Science & Technology.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(15)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

After completion, my research will be published in the form of a Korean book and an English article in the journal of Korean Academy of Commodity Science & Technology in about 3 months. Whenever chances are given either at home or abroad, I will be willingly presenting my book and article to the academic field and governmental sector.  

As a former journalist, I wouldn’t sit idle to promote my publications to the media as well. As emphasized above, geographical brands haven’t been the talk of the town in the Korean academic field. Scholars have failed to spare enough time in delving into the importance of the protection of geographical brands overseas.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(14)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

Needless to say, voices of requesting protection of Korean geographical brands in China will be drawing greater attention as well. In this regard, Japanese government’s recent initiatives have meaningful implication to Korea. Japan’s efforts to apply for trademarks abroad and to present guidelines at home are what Korean government should learn for its sake. 

In other words, this project will address a message that Korean government need to benchmark the researched cases and to come up with necessary measures to prevent potential troubles with China with no delay. 

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(13)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

It is manufacturing and entertainment industry which has generated most disputes over the intellectual property rights between Korea and China. Except a few cases surrounding the use of geographical brands for Korean rice and hot pepper sauce in America, geographical brands haven’t developed themselves into big issues so far in Korea. 

So studies and researches also have been focused on cases of private sectors, corporate activities in particular. However, keeping the ever-growing influence of China and recent ‘Korean Wave’ frenzy in China, it is little doubt that geographical brands will become hot-potato like issues soon. 

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(12)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In this regard, interviews with experts at reputable private organizations and universities including Japan Intellectual Property Association, Intellectual Property Management Center of Kyushu University and Office of Intellectual Property of Waseda University will broaden my horizon by supplying thoughtful views. 

On the similar context, books and magazines will be valuably utilized for the purpose of a preparatory research.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(11)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In doing so, I can clearly recognize the beginning and developments of the various disputes. This on-site coverage will also give me better understanding of Japanese government’s subsequent actions to protect its geographical brands in China. 

Secondly, I’ve been arranging meetings with officials at Japanese government and governmental agencies to apprehend the background of guideline issuance. Interviews with professionals at the international affairs division of the JPO and JETRO(Japan External Trade Organization) will allow me to draw an overall picture of the past, present and future of Japanese government’s stance on this controversial issue.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(10)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

I’ve been planning schedules to sites where geographical brands are born and to see what has happened in relation to China. Kagoshima Prefecture and its geographical brands including 県シンボルマーク, かごしまの農林水産物認証マーク, かごしまブランドマーク, かごしま黒豚証明書, さつま地鶏 and 薩摩 are one example. 

For this, I’ve been hosting interviews with involved sections at chambers of commerce and industry of 4 prefectures. Leaders of local communities and officials at the industrial policy section of local governments would be contacted, too.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(9)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In terms of methodology, on-site visits and expert interviews are two pillars of my research. First of all, throughout mid September to mid October of 2013, I will pay a visit to 4 Japanese prefectures among 9 prefectures mentioned above. 

Specifically, I will visit Aomori Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Fukuoka Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture where geographical brands of each prefecture have been broadly known even outside Japan.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(8)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

Though failing to react in advance, Japanese central and local governments have responded in a proper way. They did take relevant steps after disputes over misuse of Japanese geographical brands in China were reported. They actively applied for trademarks in China and introduced guidelines domestically to protect geographical brands from further damage.

Such a move means a lot to Korean government as similar conflicts are expected to be wired between Korea and China in the near future. The concept of my project is born in this sense with special emphasis on timely and untouched research.

Japan's move to protect geographical brands(7)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

It is mainly because Japan’s exports of brand farm products could be adversely affected if Japanese geographical product and brand names are registered as Chinese trademarks. 

So far a total of 9 Japanese prefectures, Aomori Prefecture(靑森県), Hokkaido Prefecture(北海県), Yamanashi Prefecture(山梨県), Shiga Prefecture(滋賀県), Wakayama Prefecture(和歌山県), Fukuoka Prefecture(福岡県), Saga Prefecture(佐賀県), Nagasaki Prefecture(長崎県) and Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県) have successfully taken actions to register their trademarks in China.

Japan's move to protect geographical brands(6)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

According to the Japan Patent Office(JPO), actual public notices were given or registrations were made on the basis of applications of third parties in China for 6 Japanese prefectures, Toyama Prefecture(富山県), Fukui Prefecture(福井県), Aichi Prefecture(愛知県), Yamaguchi Prefecture(山口県), Kagawa Prefecture(香川県) and Saga Prefecture(佐賀県). 

Against this background, Japanese government has accelerated its move in two folds since late 2000’s; applying for trademarks in China and coming up with guidelines for related parties in Japan. 

Japan’s move to preserve geographical brands(5)

Japan’s move to preserve geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In fact, it has been alleged that many Chinese have illicitly trademarked or tried to trademark the names of famous Japanese places, names and local specialties in recent years. 

Long-lasted disputes and subsequent legal suits over Kagawa Prefecture(香川県)’s Sanuki Udon(讃岐うどん) between Japan’s Kabashima Shouji(樺島商事) and Taiwan’s Namchow Group are none other than a representative example.

Japan's move to preserve geographical brands(4)

Japan’s move to preserve geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

More cases have been noticed in the corporate sector. However, conflicts in the public sector are no less serious. That could explain why Japanese central and local governments have been eager to protect Japanese geographical brands in China.

Japan's move to preserve geographical brands(3)

Japan’s move to preserve geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

It is between Japan and China where disputes over the intellectual property rights arise most in Northeast Asia. The fact that Japan is still leading this area and China has been rapidly raising its clout lies in this phenomenon. 

As an emerging economy, China has tended to learn lessons from Japan, the most advanced economy in this region in a quick and simple way sometimes without due payment. Such aggressive drives time to time led to undesirable results accompanied by huge controversy and conflict.