Lee International

The Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB) of the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) fully implemented online  oral hearings in July 2026.  Accordingly, parties to trial proceedings, including overseas parties, can now participate in oral hearings remotely from any location with internet access, without having to travel to Korea.  This is expected to reduce the time and costs associated with travel. 

Oral hearings are conducted in proceedings, such as appeals against final rejections, invalidation trials, and confirmation-of-scope trials, allowing parties to present their arguments directly to the trial panel and respond to questions.  They provide an important opportunity to explain complex technical issues, as well as the background and effects of an invention, in greater detail. 

Previously, remote participation in oral hearings was limited to designated institutions.  Since July 2026, however, parties have been able to participate in online oral hearings from any location with internet access.  In particular, inventors and research and development personnel can now participate remotely to explain the technical background and features of an invention.  The expanded accessibility is expected to be particularly beneficial in cases involving complex technical issues. 

However, online oral hearings are available only for hearings open to the public and may therefore be restricted in cases involving trade secrets or sensitive technical information.  Accordingly, the appropriate hearing format and response strategy should be determined in light of the nature of the case, the issues involved, the extent of the technical explanation required, and any confidentiality concerns. 

Remote participation through videoconferencing is available not only in proceedings before the IPTAB but also in litigation before the Intellectual Property High Court (IPHC).  In a recent IPHC case handled by Lee International, our attorneys appeared in person before the Court, while our overseas client, the defendant in this case, participated remotely via videoconference.  Simultaneous interpretation provided from an interpretation booth in the courtroom enabled the overseas client to follow the parties’ arguments and exchange between the Court and the parties in real time.

These remote hearing arrangements enable overseas parties to participate in Korean IP proceedings and follow oral arguments in real time without having to travel to Korea.  They are expected to be particularly beneficial for companies involved in disputes in multiple countries, facilitating more efficient participation in Korean trial and litigation proceedings while reducing the associated time and travel costs.