KIPO to Launch ‘Super-Fast Track’ Examination, Promising Patent Grants in Just Two Months

In today's hyper-competitive global market, speed is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. For companies expanding internationally, the time it takes to secure intellectual property rights can directly impact investment opportunities, export contracts, and the ability to effectively respond to legal disputes.

Recognizing this critical need, the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has announced a landmark initiative. Pine IP Firm is pleased to provide an in-depth analysis of the new ‘Export Promotion Super-Fast Track Examination’ system, set to officially launch on October 15, 2025. This program is designed to dramatically accelerate the prosecution timeline for key patents and trademarks, offering a significant strategic advantage to your clients.

1. What is the ‘Super-Fast Track’ Examination? A New Level of Speed

While KIPO has long offered a Preferential Examination system, the new Super-Fast Track program accelerates the process to an unprecedented degree. Here is a direct comparison of the final examination timelines:

• Patents & Utility Models: A final decision can be expected within 2 months from the request date.
• Trademarks: A final decision can be expected within 60 days from the request date.

This remarkable speed allows businesses to solidify their IP position much earlier, providing a powerful advantage when negotiating contracts, securing funding, and enforcing rights in the Korean market.

2. Eligibility: Who Qualifies for This Accelerated Path?

The program is strategically targeted to support two main objectives: promoting exports and protecting advanced technologies. As such, eligibility is limited to applications that meet specific criteria.

Eligibility for Patents & Utility Models:

• Applications directly related to products that are being exported or are under an export contract.
• Applications for improvement inventions related to products the applicant has exported within the last three years.
• Applications from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been selected for KIPO's official export or overseas dispute support programs.
• Applications in advanced technology fields (e.g., semiconductors, secondary batteries, biotechnology) that serve as a basis for a Paris Convention priority claim.
• Applications for which a foreign application has already been filed claiming Paris Convention priority from the Korean application.

Eligibility for Trademarks:

• Applications filed by companies that are currently exporting or have confirmed plans to export goods under the mark.
• Applications that will serve as the basis for a foreign filing (i.e., the base application for a Paris Convention priority claim).
• Applications that are the basis for a Madrid Protocol international application.

Expert Tip from Pine IP Firm:Proving eligibility is critical. KIPO will require robust documentary evidence, such as certificates of export performance, signed export contracts, or official notices from KIPO support programs. Incomplete documentation may result in the application being reverted to the standard Preferential Examination track. A thorough review by local counsel is essential to ensure all requirements are met from the outset.

3. Costs and Critical Limitations: A Limited Window of Opportunity

The official fees for the Super-Fast Track will remain the same as the existing Preferential Examination:

• Patent: KRW 200,000
• Utility Model: KRW 100,000
• Trademark: KRW 160,000 per class

However, it is crucial to note that the program will launch with significant limitations:

• Pilot Period: The system will initially run from October 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025, with a review to follow for potential extension.
• 2025 Quotas (Patents & Utility Models):
  • Export-Related Applications: 500 total (with a cap of 3 per applicant).
  • Advanced Technology Applications: 500 total.
• Trademark Applications: No specific quota has been announced for trademarks at this time.

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis starting October 15. Once the annual quotas are met, subsequent requests will be processed under the standard Preferential Examination timeline. For clients who need to secure their rights with urgency, early preparation is paramount to being at the front of the line.

4. Why Expert Local Counsel is Indispensable

The Super-Fast Track system is more than a simple request; it is a demanding process that requires precision and proactive management. The involvement of experienced patent attorneys is vital for several reasons:

• Navigating Eligibility: We can provide a clear and definitive assessment of whether an application meets the stringent criteria.
• Perfecting Documentation: We ensure that all required evidentiary documents are prepared correctly to prevent procedural delays or conversion to a slower track.
• Avoiding Critical Errors: Simple procedural mistakes, such as failing to explicitly state the request is for "Super-Fast Track Priority Examination" on the application form, can be detrimental.
• Managing Accelerated Deadlines: This is perhaps the most critical factor. If an Office Action is issued, the response deadline is extremely short—typically within one month. This compressed timeframe leaves no room for error or delay in communication and strategic response formulation.

Given the complexities and the unforgiving pace of this new system, partnering with a responsive and experienced firm from the very beginning is the safest and most effective strategy.

The Super-Fast Track Examination represents a powerful new tool for your clients. At Pine IP Firm, we stand ready to help you leverage this opportunity to its fullest potential, ensuring your clients’ innovations are protected swiftly and securely as they expand into the Korean and global markets.

We encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can begin preparing your clients' applications for a successful filing on October 15.