Recently, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (hereinafter called "KIPO") decided to improve "Design Examination System" for the convenience of the applicant. These changes became effective from
January 1, 2010.
Thus, we would like to introduce to you the main gists on improvement of the "Design Examination
System" as follows;
1. Permission for Submission of Three-dimensional (3-D) Drawings
When filing a design application, it is possible for an applicant to submit 3-D drawings itself which the
designer created by using 3-D program files (DWG, DWF, 3-DS) at the time of developing the article.
In this case, it is not necessary to submit other separate drawings.
2. Deregulation on the Method for Making Drawings and the Number of Drawings to be Submitted
Previously, when filing a 3-D design application, drawings from six views (front, rear, top, bottom,
left-side & right-side) and a perspective view made from an orthographic projection view were required. Further, when filing a 2-D design application, drawings from two views (surface, hidden-side) were
required.
However, in order to make it more convenient for the applicant and the scope of protection of the design right more clear, it is now possible to submit as few as one drawing, or more of necessary, in which the creativity of the design and the entire shape & pattern should be completely and clearly described.
3. Expansion on the Non-Examination Design Items
Reflecting the request of the business world and the current trend of expanding non-examination design items in many countries, the KIPO increased the number of non-examination design items by adding
items relating to "miscellaneous goods, shoes, teaching materials and office supplies" to the existing
items relating to "food, clothing, beddings, papers & printing materials, packing containers and textiles".
In doing so, the applicant is now able to obtain the design right more prompt than before.
4. Expansion of the Items to be Applied as a Set of Article
Reflecting the current trend of emphasizing unity of design and the actual circumstances of the trading
items, the KIPO expanded the number of items to be applied as a set of article from the existing 31 to
a total of 86.
(Please refer to the attached sheet)
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