yes. It is possible to change the patent type from utility model to invention within 30 days of receiving the grant/rejection decision, and pay the corresponding fee.
- The average time for partial substantive examination design granted is 1-2 months.
- The average time for substantive examination of design granted is 10-12 months.
no
10 years
KIPO conducts formality examination and substantive examination of utility model patent applications, but only needs to meet the standards of novelty and practicality, and does not require inventive step.
no
20 years, and the protection can be extended to 25 years for pesticides or medicines.
1-2 years
A 12-month novelty grace period is available if the design is disclosed by the applicant or the applicant's agent.
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.
Restoration of priority will not be accepted.