In order to accelerate examination and registration of patent applications in key technology areas that are vitally important to Korea, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) continues to overhaul the expedited examination system and expand the scope of patent applications eligible for expedited examination. KIPO has already made expedited examination available for patent applications in the semiconductor, display, and secondary battery fields. On February 19, 2025, KIPO announced addition of other advanced technologies within the biotechnology, advanced robotics, and AI (artificial intelligence) fields for expedited examination. Additionally, certain requirements for requesting expedited examination have been relaxed and more patent applications can now qualify as "green technology."

KIPO now allows expedited examination based on the following grounds: (i) Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program; (ii) if a third party is engaging in an on-going use of the claimed invention; (iii) specific technologies such as advanced technology, green technology, and fourth industrial revolution technology; or (iv) other grounds listed in Article 61(2) of the Korean Patent Act. 

1. Further expansion of the scope of advanced technology patent applications

Previously, the scope of patent applications that qualify as "advanced technology" was limited to those directed to semiconductor, display, and secondary battery technologies. Now, the scope has been expanded to include biotechnology, advanced robotics, and AI technologies. Further, to be eligible for expedited examination, an advanced technology patent application must be filed by a company engaged in the production or preparation of products or devices related to the advanced technology in Korea, or it must relate to a result of national research and development projects related to the advanced technology. 

2. Further expansion of the scope of green technology patent applications

Previously, the scope of patent applications that qualify as "green technology" was limited to those directed to the technology of capturing, transporting, or storing carbon dioxide. Now, the scope has been expanded to include general green technologies such as next-generation nuclear power and renewable energy technologies.

3. Relaxation of requirements for requesting expedited examination

Previously, when requesting expedited examination under specific technologies such as advanced technology, green technology, and fourth industrial revolution technology, an applicant had to submit to KIPO a search result of a prior art search conducted by a KIPO-designated agency. Now, KIPO has removed the prior art search requirement to reduce the burden on applicants and to make it easier for applicants to take advantage of the expedited examination system. 

We will keep a close watch on further developments in Korea's initiatives to promote the growth and development of specific technology sectors including advanced technology and green technology.