I. Preparation for filing a Patent Application
II. Prosecution of the Patent Application
B. Laying-open of Applications
The patent application shall be laid open in the Patent Gazette at the expiration of one year and six months from the priority date of the application, or from the actual filing date in Korea if no priority date is claimed, regardless of the examination proceedings of the application.
Under the old law, the laying-open of a patent application was possible only after eighteen months have passed from either the filing date or priority date, whichever was earlier. However, from July 1, 1996 an application can be laid open in the Gazette at any time prior to 18 months from the effective filing date, if the applicant so desires. The intent of this system is to provide the patent applicant with provisional protection during early stages of the application by enabling the applicant to claim retroactive compensation for damage which occurred from the date of laying-open of the application in the Gazette, in the event that the application is granted publication.
C. Preferential Examination
D. Amendments
E. Preliminary Rejection Notice
F. Decision for the Patent Grant
G. Options after Receiving Final Rejection
H. Registration Publication and Opposition
I. Types of Trials in Intellectual Tribunal of Korean Industrial Proprty Office
J. Re-examination before Trial
K. Appeal to the Patent Court
L. Duration
M. Registration
N. Appointment of Patent Administrator
O. Documents for transfer of ownership of patent application (or patent)
P. License grant
