The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) recently announced expedited examination for display patent applications. This strategic move comes amid escalating international patent disputes in the display field and aligns KIPO's commitment to aiding companies with manufacturing facilities in Korea to swiftly acquire display patents. 

According to KIPO's Public Notice, expedited examinations for display patent applications will initially prioritize applications filed with a request for expedited examination between November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024 (with a subsequent evaluation on extension of the applicable period of the program). To be eligible for expedited examination, display patent applications must satisfy the following conditions:

1. The patent application must be directly related to display materials, parts, equipment, manufacturing, or design technologies; and

2. The patent application must be filed by a company engaged in the production or preparation of products or devices related to displays in Korea, or it must relate to a result of national research and development projects related to display technology.

When expedited examination was first introduced for semiconductor patent applications in 2022, KIPO required that the primary Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) must be related to semiconductors. This time, KIPO's Public Notice removed the CPC requirement for both display patent applications and semiconductor patent applications. This change recognizes the challenges faced by applicants in obtaining a CPC within the typical one to two months post-filing period. 

In the Public Notice, KIPO has also extended the applicable period for expedited examinations for semiconductor patent applications. Thus, semiconductor patent applications filed with a request for expedited examination between November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024 will undergo expedited processing.

We will keep a close watch on further developments in Korea's initiatives to promote the growth and development of high-technology sectors including semiconductors and displays.