The fields of bio, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced robotics will also be eligible for expedited patent examination. The average patent examination processing time, which typically takes about 18 months, is expected to decrease significantly.
The Korean Intellectual Property Office noted on the 16th that it will expand the subjects eligible for expedited examination in its '2025 patent examination processing plan.' The expedited examination system was introduced to quickly execute patent examinations for key strategic national industries, allowing reviews to be completed within two months, faster than the average 18 months for regular examinations. The system was first applied to the semiconductor sector in November 2022 and was subsequently extended to display and secondary battery sectors; now it is being further expanded.
The expedited examination system for the bio, AI, and advanced robotics fields will be implemented starting Feb. 19. The Korean Intellectual Property Office plans to add hydrogen-based technologies related to carbon neutrality to the expedited examination subjects.
To implement the expedited examination system, the examination personnel in advanced industries have also been increased. The Korean Intellectual Property Office has previously increased the examination personnel by 67 for semiconductors, 38 for secondary batteries, and will hire 60 private experts this year, including 35 for bio, 9 for artificial intelligence, and 16 for advanced robotics.
To secure international patents for domestic corporations and reduce processing time, the examination processing system will also be improved. Domestic applications, which serve as the basis for international patent applications (PCT applications), will be prioritized to ensure smooth progression of subsequent overseas application procedures. The processing period for patent examination highway applications will be shortened from the existing four months to three months.
The Korean Intellectual Property Office plans to mobilize all available personnel to ensure seamless examination processing. It will increase the examination processing targets for senior examiners and will focus on securing additional examination personnel through cooperation with relevant ministries.
Jeong Yeon-woo, director of the Patent Examination Planning Division at the Korean Intellectual Property Office, said, 'The prompt acquisition of patent rights is a matter that extends beyond the survival of our corporations and is directly linked to the national economy.' He added, 'Through this plan, domestic corporations will be able to secure patent rights more swiftly in the global market and enhance their technological competitiveness.'