Semiconductor and Display Patents in Korea

Q: Should a manufacturing process be patented or kept secret?

Structures that can be identified by dismantling or analyzing a product may suit patent protection. Temperature, pressure and time settings may be better kept secret when use by a competitor would be hard to detect. Equipment structures and process recipes can be treated separately.

Q: Do we need both device and method claims?

Where the disclosure supports them, both can be useful. Device claims can address equipment manufacturers and sellers; method claims can address parties operating the process. We consider likely infringers before choosing claim categories.

Q: Is accelerated examination available?

Semiconductors and displays have been included in Korea’s advanced-technology acceleration notices. In 2025, accelerated examination averaged 2.1 months to the first result, compared with 14.7 months for regular examination. The applicable notice determines eligibility and request periods.

Q: Should overseas filings be considered at the same time?

Yes, where customers and competitors operate in several countries. A priority claim generally must be made within 12 months of the Korean filing. The initial specification should anticipate the examination requirements of intended filing countries.

For semiconductor and display inventions, choosing device or method claims affects both scope and proof of infringement. Process conditions may be difficult to observe outside a factory, so we first distinguish what to patent from what to retain as a trade secret.

How we can help

Process equipment: Deposition, etching, cleaning, transfer and alignment
Inspection and testing: Test sockets, probes and inspection methods
Devices and packages: Device structures, packaging, substrates and interconnects
Displays: Panel structures, drive circuits and compensation methods

Your patent attorneys

Yeo Jung-Min — Partner, Korean Patent Attorney

Education: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University; graduate studies in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University
Qualifications: Passed the 53rd Korean Patent Attorney Examination
Career: Patent Attorney, Pine IP Firm (2025–present)
Lee & Mock (2018–2025)
Gasan Patent & Law Firm (2017–2018)
LIG Nex1 (2013–2014)
Experience and activities: Representation of Samsung Electronics, Samsung Science & Technology Foundation, KT&G and the Agency for Defense Development

Yeo Jung-Min — View profile

Kang Min-ho — Managing Korean Patent Attorney

Education: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University
Qualifications: Passed the 53rd Korean Patent Attorney Examination
Career: Managing Patent Attorney, Pine IP Firm (2022–present)
Patent Attorney, Electronics Team, Jiwon IP Law Firm (2020–2022)
Patent Attorney, Electronics Team, Lee & Mock (2018–2020)
Patent Attorney, Wooin Patent & Law Firm (2017–2018)
Experience and activities: Patent filing and prosecution in electronics, AI, software, UI/UX, blockchain and IoT
Competitor patent analysis, FTO and design-around review

Kang Min-ho — View profile

Representative experience

Samsung SAIT outstanding representative

Professional recognition

Yeo Jung-Min was selected as an outstanding representative by Samsung Electronics SAIT in 2020 and 2024.

Competitor patent research and FTO analysis

Infringement-risk review

Patent searches and claim charts supported reviews of infringement risk and design-around options.

IP-R&D strategy for optical-lens modules

IP-R&D

Work on an optical-plastic resin lens-module project under the Korea Intellectual Property Strategy Agency’s IP-R&D support program.

Procedure and timing in Korea

From application to grant

Consultation and invention reviewWe review your invention disclosure, drawings and experimental data to define what to protect.
Prior-art search and application draftingUsually two weeks to one monthWe search Korean and overseas patent literature, assess patentability and draft the specification and claims.
Filing and request for examinationRequest examination on filing or within three years of the filing dateWe file in Korea and request examination, with a request for accelerated examination where the requirements are met.
Examination and office-action response2025 averages to the first examination result: 14.7 months for regular examination; 2.1 months for accelerated examinationIf an office action issues, we prepare arguments and amendments within the notified response period, usually two months for domestic applicants. Extensions may be available.
GrantPay the registration fee within three months of receiving the decision to grantThe patent right takes effect upon registration after payment of the registration fee.

Related insights

Frequently asked questions

Should a manufacturing process be patented or kept secret?

Do we need both device and method claims?

Is accelerated examination available?

Should overseas filings be considered at the same time?

Request a consultation

Tell us about your technology, development stage and intended filing date.

info@pinepat.com
+82 52-713-5309
Monday–Friday, 09:00–18:00 (Korea Standard Time, UTC+9)

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