Small and medium-sized firms have lost all patent suits they have raised against large conglomerates so far this year, a lawmaker said Tuesday, suggesting their lack of legal experience or resources to protect their intellectual properties.

Citing related data from the Korea Intellectual Property Office, Rep. Kim Jung-hoon of the ruling Saenuri Party said small and medium-sized enterprises have raised 14 patent suits against larger companies this year, but that they have not won a single case.

The winning rate of smaller firms in patent disputes reached as high as 50.8 percent in 2014, but the rate plunged to 16.7 percent in 2015, and to zero percent so far this year.

Kim noted the decline may be attributed to the companies' limited resources, as well as their lack of access to legal consultations.

"The government needs to increase its budget for its existing support program as to increase the number of people supporting smaller firms and also improve the overall quality of the program," the lawmaker said.

As of end-July, small and medium-sized companies were handed favorable rulings in 28 out of 58 or 48.3 percent of all legal suits against large companies, compared with a winning rate of 44.9 percent last year.

Such an increase came as they were given favorable decisions in 27 out of the total 43 trademark disputes they have raised against larger firms. (Yonhap)