1、 Types of patent protection in South Korea

1. Invention patent

The object of protection is the new technical scheme with high level proposed for products, methods or improvements by using natural rules. The protection period is 20 years. For pesticide or medicine, the protection can be extended under certain conditions for up to 5 years; The whole application, review and authorization takes about 1.8 – 2.5 years.

2. Utility model

What is protected is a new technical proposal for the shape, structure or combination of products that is suitable for practical use. The protection period is 10 years; The whole application, review and authorization will take about 10 months to 2.5 years.

3. Appearance design

What is protected is a new design with aesthetic feeling and suitable for industrial application made for the shape, pattern or its combination of products and the combination of color and shape, pattern. The protection period is 15 years; For the whole application, non substantive examination of appearance: 2-3 months, and substantive examination of appearance takes about 10-12 months.

2、 Korean Patent Application Path

1. Invention patent

The ways to apply for invention patent include: the application of Paris Convention in this country, and the PCT patent application designates this country. Under certain conditions, the application can be accelerated through PPH.

2. Utility model

The way to apply for a patent for utility model is through the Paris Convention.

3. Appearance design

The way to apply for a patent for design is through the Paris Convention.