I. Preparation for filing a Patent Application

II. Prosecution of the Patent Application

A. Request for Examination
B. Laying-open of Applications

C. Preferential Examination

The applicant can request "preferential examination", when the Commissioner of KIPO recognizes that a person, other than the applicant, is commercially and industrially working the invention claimed in a pending application after the application has been laid open or when an invention claimed in an application falls under the following categories:


1. Application in the field of defense

2. Application useful for the prevention of environmental pollution;

3. Application directly related to the encouragement and improvement of export; and

4. Application related to official services of the central or local government or government-funded research institutes. The preferential examination can also be requested with respect to utility model applications and design applications.


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