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.
- Can the priority right of a Korean invention patent application be restored?
- How long does it take for a Korean invention patent application to be granted?
- Is DAS available for Korean industrial design application?
- Is a utility model application in Korea eligible for DAS?
- How long is the protection period for utility model applications in Korea?
- What are the requirements for Korean utility model application documents?
- How long does it take for a utility model application to be granted in Korea?
- Is a Korean invention patent application eligible for DAS?
- How long is the protection period of industrial design in Korea?
- Explanation of Korea Design Authorization and Annual Fee