Source: KIPO
Date: April 9, 2009

The results of trademark examinations will be provided to applicants up to 4 or 5 months faster than those of ordinary examinations.
 
Starting April 1st, 2009, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has provided an expedited examination service for trademarks, which would accelerate the registration of trademarks requiring swift application.

The primary results of the expedited examination is provided to applicants in approximately two months, given that no significant supplements are needed. Compared to the 6-to-7 month period currently required for primary results, the time required for obtaining examination results is dramatically reduced.

All applicants (both individuals and companies) who have filed trademarks currently in use or for planned use can apply for the expedited examination.

To apply for the expedited examination service, applicants should submit an application document to KIPO for the service, a description of the expedited examination and a fixed fee (160 thousand KRW ( 123 USD) for each product category).

The introduction of the expedited examination service for trademarks is expected to accelerate the settlement of trademark-related disputes and contribute to the swift commercialization of trademarks currently in use.