중소기업의 변리사 선정을 위한 평가요인의 중요도에 관한 연구

Purpose This study aims to draw a business agreement between SMEs and patent agents through the relative importance of evaluation factors for selecting patent attorneys. Methods This study designs an empirical research model to determine the relative importance of service quality evaluation items for the selection of patent attorney (PA) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The relevant literature is reviewed by focusing on selecting or evaluating PA from companies, universities, and public organizations in South Korea at a working level. Further, interviews from experts on intellectual property (IP) are conducted and the service quality of PA is analyzed using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Results We find that SMEs prioritize cooperation in their supporting tasks, followed by the quality of documents, performance, IP innovative development, and IP management support. However, there are differences between public organizations and PA, even though they prioritize performance, quality of documents, human resources, and size at similar levels. Conclusion This approach is unique as it combines PA service quality for technology, law, and service in professional service firms. We expect that this study will promote innovation and outcomes for SMEs for sustainable economic growth and improve PA' quality of service.