We support Korean design filings with drawings strategy, priority handling, prosecution, and enforcement-ready portfolio planning—delivered with clear English reporting and predictable timelines.

1. Practical Guide for Foreign Counsel

Korean design rights are governed by the Design Act and administered by KIPO. Under Korea’s Substantive Examination System (SES), design applications are automatically examined in filing order. Examination generally takes about one year from filing.

2. Procedure Flow & Drawings

Procedure Flow: Substantive examination for industrial designs.

Drawings Requirements

Drawings are central to defining the scope of protection. They should clearly indicate the article and its essential components. Applicants may submit photographs or 3D models in specific cases.

3. Examination Process

Formality Examination

KIPO checks minimum requirements to accord a filing date. Non-residents must file through a representative with a Korean address.

Publication of Application

Upon request, a design may be published in the Laid-open Gazette. This allows the applicant to send warnings to potential infringers and establish a basis for future compensation.

Substantive Examination

Applications are automatically examined. Expedited examination is available if third-party infringement is suspected or in other urgent cases.

4. Registrability & Registration

To be registrable, a design must meet definition standards, industrial applicability, novelty, and creativity. It must not be excluded based on public morality or functional necessity.

Grace Period

Korea provides a 12-month grace period for disclosures made by the applicant prior to filing, provided evidence is submitted within 30 days of filing.