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
D. Amendments
E. Preliminary Rejection Notice
F. Decision for the Patent GrantG. Options after Receiving Final Rejection
A final rejection can be made when the reasons for rejection found by the presiding examiner are not resolved by written arguments or amendments presented by the applicant. If the applicant is not satisfied with such decision, the applicant has several options available in order to respond to this decision. As an first option, a patent application can be converted into a Utility Model application. It is based on the assumption that a Utility Model will be easier to obtain than a patent. Utility Models are limited to structural inventions. Method inventions cannot be protected by Utility Models. Conversion of a patent application into a utility model application is therefore possible only in the case of structural inventions. Secondly, it is advisable to narrow the scope of the claims and file an Amendment and Appeal against the final rejection. As a third option, the above two options can be combined which may be the most effective way to have the claims allowed.
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
