IP News


Introduction of an Ex-Officio Re-Examination System

Pursuant to the revised Patent Law that will be enforced from March 1, 2017, if an examiner finds a clear ground for rejection before patent registration, even after an applicant receives a Decision to Grant a Patent, he shall be able to revoke the decision of granting a patent and resume examination thereof by official authority.


However, in a case where a patent right is registered, it not possible to revoke the decision of the grant of a patent in order to maintain the stability of rights.  Additionally, the revised Utility Model Law that will be enforced from March 1, 2017 also includes the same revision.


(Effective from March 1, 2017)