The country is second globally in the number of registered patents for wigs. (Yonhap News)

By Kim Seon Ah

The country is second in the world in the number of registered patents for wigs as a technological leader in the field.

Once a means to compensate hair loss, wigs are growingly fashion items whose technology is developing rapidly.

The Ministry of Intellectual Property on Aug. 17 said its study of patent applications for wigs filed with the world's five intellectual property offices from 2004-23 showed that Korea tied for second in the cumulative number of applications and second in registered patents.

The five offices -- which account for some 85% of patent applications worldwide -- comprise the ministry, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Japan Patent Office, China National Intellectual Property Administration and European Patent Office.

Japan led in applications filed with 36% (1,374), while Korea and the U.S. tied for second at 20% each (756). Over the same period, Japan retained its lead in the number of patents granted with 36% (637), followed by Korea with 30% (523) and the U.S. 17% (292).

By company, Korean wig maker Hi-Mo ranked seventh worldwide with 35 applications. The ministry said this was because of active efforts by domestic companies toward technological development to secure market hegemony amid rising global interest in Korean cosmetics and beauty.

The wig sector worldwide is also booming. The New York-based global market research company Research Nester said the value of the global wig and hair extension market is projected to more than double from USD 7.95 billion last year to USD 16.39 billion by 2035.

sofiakim218@korea.kr