The Japan-based Chosun Shinbo reported Thursday that North Korea has acknowledged the intellectual property rights (IPR) of individuals.

According to the organ of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korea Residents in Japan, individual IPR includes inventions, original designs and technological know-how that are protected legally in the process of distribution.

By way of support, the paper cited the example of some scientists from Kim Il Sung University, who recently concluded contracts for technology introduction with a thermal power generation company.