Republic of Korea: Bill amending Act on Prevention of Unfair Competition and Protection of Trade Secrets (Bill No. 2209043) was introduced to National Assembly

On 18 March 2025, the Bill amending the Act on Prevention of Unfair Competition and Protection of Trade Secrets (Bill No. 2209043) was introduced to the National Assembly. The Bill establishes an expert fact-finding system for trade secret infringement cases, allowing courts to appoint qualified specialists to gather evidence by entering premises, examining documents, and testing equipment. The Bill expands the existing evidence submission requirements to include proving the act of infringement itself, not merely damages calculation. The Bill creates penalties for experts who breach confidentiality, with imprisonment up to 1 year or fines up to KRW 10 million, and for parties who obstruct investigations, with fines up to KRW 20 million. The Bill aims to address difficulties in securing adequate evidence during trade secret litigation proceedings.