Law firm YK said on the 10th that it will join the international joint research project on next-generation semiconductors by Seoul National University and Caltech (hereafter "Caltech") as a legal and patent partner.
The Ministry of Science and ICT on the 4th announced the selection results for new projects under the "2026 platform for collaboration among top-tier research institutions and support for joint research." The program is a national research and development (R&D) initiative that supports the establishment of collaboration platforms so top-level institutions in Korea and abroad can promote comprehensive international cooperation.
YK will support the "SNU-Caltech global research center for AI- and optics-based semiconductor innovation," a newly selected project led by Professor Lee Seung-a of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Seoul National University. The project aims to innovate next-generation semiconductor metrology and processes based on artificial intelligence (AI) and optical technology. A total of 23 billion won in research and development funding will be invested over the next 10 years.
YK will leverage the infrastructure of the "SNU Center for Industrial Technology and Law," established at Seoul National University in Mar., with Director Lee Yong-seung, YK executive director of corporate strategy, to support: ▲ domestic and international legal services arising during the research process ▲ comprehensive patent services related to patent applications and registrations in Korea, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the United States, and other jurisdictions. Through this, the firm plans to proactively build a global patent portfolio and block legal risks at the source, such as technology leaks and conflicts of interest.
The external advisory panel will include YK managing partner Kang Kyung-hoon; former Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho; Seoul National University Department of Materials Science and Engineering distinguished chair professor Hwang Cheol-seong; and KLA Korea CEO Kim Yang-hyeong.
Center Director Lee Yong-seung said, "This research, based on artificial intelligence and optical technology, will play a pivotal role in securing the competitiveness of Korea's advanced semiconductor industry in the future," adding, "We will provide complete support for the necessary legal advisory services and securing global patents."