KIPO adopts two examination systems, the Substantive Examination System (SES) and the Partial Substantive Examination System (NSES), for designs, and the applicant has no right to choose the examination route. The Partial Substantive Examination System (NSES) is for items that are popular, easy to imitate and have a short life cycle, such as food, clothing and men's clothing (category 2), travel goods (category 3), textiles, man-made and Natural panel materials (Class 5), packaging (Class 9), decorative articles (Class 11), stationery and office equipment, artists and teaching materials (Class 19). For some designs that have been substantiated, the applicant can obtain granted within 1-2 months from the date of submission of the application, and can enjoy new procedures such as combination design and post-granted opposition. The applicant can decide whether to disclose the design at the time of granted. After paying a certain confidentiality fee, the design can be requested not to be disclosed for 3 years. There are 32 levels in the Locarno classification system, but only 31 levels are used in Korea.
- Which is the competent authority for invention patent applications in Korea?
- How long does it take to authorize an industrial design in Korea?
- How long is the protection period of industrial design in Korea?
- Is a Korean invention patent application eligible for DAS?
- How long is the application period for industrial design in Korea?
- Is it possible to apply for a combined appearance for a Korean industrial design application?
- Korean invention patent application authorization and annual fee instructions
- Features of Korean Utility Model Patent Application Process
- Novelty Grace Period for Korean Design Applications
- Korean utility model application authorization and annual fee instructions