Lee International

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) introduced an expert examiner system in 2022 to prioritize high-tech applications for expedited examination, with expert examiners handling the cases.  This initiative aims to bolster the global competitiveness of companies with significant high-tech production operations in Korea.

Since November 2022, KIPO has proactively designated semiconductor technology-related applications to be subject to expedited examination.  This targeted approach has resulted in a remarkable reduction in the examination period for such applications, decreasing it from 15.6 months to just 2.5 months.

In addition, KIPO has expanded the scope of expedited examination to include the display field, designating display technology-related applications to be subject to expedited examination since November 2023.  This followed the successful reduction of the examination period for semiconductor technology-related applications.

Furthermore, KIPO has additionally designated secondary battery technology-related applications to be subject to expedited examination starting from February 19, 2024.  In preparation for this measure, KIPO plans to increase its workforce in the second battery sector by adding 38 expert examiners on fixed-term contracts.

The criteria for expedited examination for applications related to secondary battery technology will resemble those previously established for semiconductor and display technologies.  Specifically, such expedited examination is available for patent applications “directly related” to secondary battery materials/components/equipment, manufacturing or design technology, which are filed by businesses that are in manufacturing or preparing to manufacture secondary battery-related products or devices in Korea, are directed to outcomes of national research and development projects, or are filed by Korean universities specialized for secondary battery.

The KIPO’s expedited examination system for high-tech fields is not exclusive to Korean entities; foreign companies with production facilities in Korea can also take advantage of this system. Therefore, companies with existing or planned production facilities for secondary batteries in Korea should consider utilizing expedited examination to swiftly secure relevant patent protections.