Digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) has become the core of global industry. Many countries and major tech companies around the world are vying for leadership in AI and digital innovation. Taking the initiative in AI technology is of overarching importance to all industries, including semiconductors, automobiles, bio, ICT, environment, and finance. Not only the service sector, such as law and consulting, but also the arts and culture are challenging themselves with the use of AI. The global race for AI-driven innovation has led to active discussions on the protection and development of the intellectual property rights that underpin these developments. The AI patent race and the protection of technology and copyright are closely intertwined, like the "spear and shield" or the "two sides of the coin," developing in tandem to create a virtuous cycle for innovation. The advancement of AI technology, led by big tech companies, has triggered copyright disputes related to the use of AI and big data. Competition for technological dominance among advanced countries such as the US, China, Japan, and the EU, and for the protection of intellectual property rights, is also accelerating. In March, the European Parliament passed the world's first AI law, signaling the regulation of AI. This will be followed by discussions on building a new intellectual property regime for AI. South Korea, one of the world's top five intellectual property powers (IP5), is also stepping up its game. Efforts are being redoubled to secure global AI patents and take the lead in global AI standards. In particular, the surge in AI-related patent applications in recent years has created a new wave of intellectual property. This is the result of hard work by the government, industry and academia to lead the global industry as a first mover. They are also working to establish standards to create a virtuous cycle of IP creation, use and protection. Financial News and the Korean Intellectual Property Office are proud to present the 14th International Intellectual Property Protection Conference under the theme "Challenges and Opportunities for AI, Digital Innovation, and Intellectual Property". This year's edition will be held on June 18 at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul. One of the highlights is a special dialogue with the heads of the patent offices of the IP5, i.e. South Korea, the US, China, Japan and the EU, where you can learn about the latest trends in their governments' efforts to innovate and protect cutting-edge industries. Another highlight is a special lecture by master cartoonist Lee Hyunse (Chair Professor at Sejong University), who will talk about creation with AI and intellectual property, and many other lectures and presentations by scholars and leading experts in the field of intellectual property from Korea and abroad. This will be an opportunity for you to gain insights into the hottest topics of the year, AI and the development and protection of intellectual property. Overview Title : The 14th International Intellectual Property Protection Conference Theme : Challenges and Opportunities for AI, Digital Innovation, and Intellectual Property Date : June 18th, 2024 (Tue), 09:00 - 15:00 (KST) Venue : The Westin Josun Seoul Grand ballroom (1F) Host : The Financial News, Korean Intellectual Property Office Organizer : Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency Sponsor : Presidential Council on Intellectual Property, Korea Patent Attorneys Association Contact : International Intellectual Property Protection Conference Bureau Tel, +82-2-6965-0022 / E-mail, 8amwon@fnnews.com