Standard-essential patents (SEPs) are playing an increasingly important role as international standards shape global technology competition. To help researchers respond to this shift, UNIST has launched its first university-wide training session on SEPs and intellectual property (IP) strategy.

Organized by the UNIST Office of University Industry Relations and the Korea Intellectual Property Strategy Agency (KISTA), the session brought together more than 150 faculty members, researchers, students, technology licensing professionals, and research support staff participated. Participants explored the fundamentals of SEPs, global trends across key technology sectors, and strategies for securing and commercializing SEP-related intellectual property. 

The training aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of UNIST research by encouraging researchers to consider international standards alongside R&D planning.

Researchers participating in a national IP-R&D program for next-generation nuclear technologies also attended the training, reflecting growing interest in standards-based research across diverse scientific fields.

Demand exceeded expectations, prompting UNIST to open an additional lecture room and provide a live simulcast to accommodate participants.

The training also marked the first joint educational initiative between UNIST and KISTA's Standard Patent Center. Bringing together researchers and technology transfer professionals, it highlighted how standards and intellectual property strategy can be incorporated throughout the innovation process—from early-stage research to technology commercialization.

“Standard-essential patents are becoming a critical form of intellectual property in global technology competition,” said Youngsik Kim, Director of the UNIST Office of University Industry Relations. “We will continue expanding support to encourage researchers to consider international standards from the earliest stages of R&D and strengthen the foundation for creating globally competitive research outcomes.”

UNIST plans to expand SEP education for researchers and technology transfer professionals while deepening its collaboration with KISTA on standards strategy and related initiatives.