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.
Restoration of priority will not be accepted.
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.
- Grant fee: The applicant should pay the annual fee for the first to third year within 3 months after receiving the notification of granted decision
- Annuity: Begin to pay year by year from the 4th year, overdue payment can be made within the 6-month grace period after the due date, but a penalty shall be paid, and the amount of the penalty shall not exceed twice the granted fee.
20 years
no
no
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.
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.
Filing Language: Korean Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Power of Attorney
- Priority certification document and its Korean translation
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
Korean Industrial Property Office
English: Korea Intellectual Property Office, abbreviation: KIPO
Website: Korean Intellectual Property Office (kipo.go.kr)
Korean Utility Model Patent Search: Integrated Search < SEARCH - KIPRIS Patent Information searching service