Korean Intellectual Property
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Patent & Utility Model
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Patent & Utility Model

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) administers a sophisticated and comprehensive system for the protection of patents and utility models. This guide provides an in-depth overview of what patents and utility models are within the Korean system, and the processes and procedures involved in obtaining these rights, aimed at equipping foreign people with the knowledge required to navigate the Korean IP landscape effectively.

Overview of Patents and Utility Models

Patents

A patent in Korea grants the holder exclusive rights to an invention, which could be a product or a process that offers a new technical solution or a significant improvement to existing technology. The key characteristics of a patent include:

  • Novelty: The invention must be new and not part of the existing body of knowledge.
  • Inventive Step: The invention must not be obvious to someone with knowledge and experience in the subject.
  • Industrial Applicability: The invention must be capable of being used in some kind of industry.
  • Patents provide protection for up to 20 years from the filing date, giving the patent holder the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without permission.

    Utility Models

    Utility models in Korea are similar to patents but typically cover inventions that are considered less innovative than those qualifying for a patent. These might include small technical improvements or adaptations of existing products. The main features of utility models are:

  • Novelty: The utility model must be new.
  • Industrial Applicability: The utility model must be usable in industry.
  • Lower Threshold for Inventiveness: The requirement for an inventive step is less stringent than for patents.
  • Utility models are protected for up to 10 years from the filing date, offering a shorter term of protection compared to patents but still providing valuable IP rights for incremental innovations.

    Overview of Procedures

    After a patent or utility model application is filed with KIPO, the rights are granted through a structured process characterized by:

    1. First-to-File Rule
    2. Publication of Unexamined Application
    3. Request for Examination

    The procedure for registering a utility model closely mirrors that of a patent, with some differences in notification periods.

    Procedures for Granting a Patent and Utility Model

    Filing an Application

    Applicant

    A patent application can be filed by either the inventor or the assignee. Applicants can be natural persons or juristic entities.

    Documents Required

    To obtain a patent, the following documents must be submitted to KIPO:

    1. Application: Includes the inventor’s and applicant's name and address, the invention title, and priority data if applicable.
    2. Specification: Contains the title, brief description of drawings (if any), detailed description, and claims.
    3. Drawings: If necessary.
    4. Abstract: A summary of the invention.
    5. Priority Document: A certified copy of the priority application with a Korean translation if priority is claimed.
    6. Power of Attorney: If needed.

    Claim of Priority

    To enjoy priority rights, the application must be filed within one year from the priority application's filing date. The priority document can be submitted within one year and four months from the priority date. Failure to submit the priority document within this period nullifies the priority claim.

    Formality Examination

    Upon submission, KIPO checks the application to ensure all requirements for assigning a filing date are met. An application will be returned without an application number if it:

    1. Is unclear about the kind of application.
    2. Omits the applicant’s name or address.
    3. Is not in Korean.
    4. Lacks the specification or necessary drawings.
    5. Is filed without using an agent by a person with no address or place of business in Korea.

    If the application meets these requirements, KIPO assigns an application number and examines compliance with other formal requirements. Missing documents or information can result in a notice of amendment, giving the applicant a specified period to supplement the application. Failure to comply within this period results in nullification.

    Request for Examination

    A patent application will be examined only if a request for examination is made by the applicant or an interested party within three years from the filing date. If no request is made within this period, the application is deemed withdrawn. Once requested, the examination cannot be withdrawn and follows the order of request submission.

    Laying Open of Publication for Public Inspection

    Applications are automatically published in the "Patent Laid-open Gazette" 18 months after the filing date or priority date. Early publication can be requested by the applicant to protect the application from infringement sooner. Once laid-open, the application documents are available for public inspection, and relevant information can be submitted to KIPO.

    Substantial Examination

    A patent must meet the following criteria:

    1. Definition of Invention: Must fall under the definition provided by the Patent Act.
    2. Novelty, Industrial Applicability, and Inventive Step: Must be demonstrated.
    3. Non-Patentable Categories: Must not fall under the categories specified in Article 32 of the Patent Act.

    Decision of Registration

    If an examiner finds grounds for rejection, a preliminary rejection notice is issued, giving the applicant an opportunity to respond. If the grounds for rejection are not overcome, a final rejection is issued. If no grounds are found, a patent right is granted.

    Registration

    Upon receiving a notice of decision to grant a patent, the applicant must pay the first three years' annuities within three months. Failure to pay within this period allows for an additional six-month period with a doubled fee. Non-payment within nine months results in the application being deemed abandoned.

    Publication of Gazettes

    After payment of the registration fee, KIPO publishes the patent registration. Any person can file a revocation against the registration within six months of publication.

    Notification of Reason for Refusal

    If grounds for refusal are found under Article 62, a notice is issued, and the applicant can submit a written opinion or amendment.

    Reconsideration of Reason for Refusal

    If grounds for rejection persist after reexamination, the application is determined to be rejected. Otherwise, the application is accepted for registration.

    Decision of Refusal and Appeals

    If rejected, the applicant can appeal to the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB). The IPTAB can either uphold or overturn the examiner's decision. Further appeals can be made to the Patent Court and subsequently to the Supreme Court if there are grounds for legal or regulatory violations.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the Korean procedures for patents and utility models is crucial for foreigner. The Korean IP system is well-structured, offering robust protection for intellectual property. By familiarizing themselves with these processes, people can ensure effective navigation and strategic advantage for their clients' IP rights.