The Korean Patent Office (KIPO) published a preview on new
features to be implemented in Korea's IP system during the year 2020. Some of
the most important new regulations include the following:
- Patent protection extended also to software
which is distributed online. While patent protection was limited so far only to
software stored on a physical media such as e.g. CD or USB, KIPO will in the
future also grant patents to software which is distributed online. This new
regulation is expected to enter into force in March 2020 and reflects KIPO's
efforts to promote new technologies belonging to the so called "Fourth
Industrial Revolution"
- Accelerated trial proceedings also available for
material, parts and equipment companies. In the future, KIPO's accelerated
trial procedure will be available also in case one of the parties involved
belongs to the material, parts and equipment industries (MPE industries).
Accelerated trials are given priority to "regular" trial proceedings, resulting
in a faster decision for example in invalidation or scope of right trials. They
are eligible only under certain conditions. This new regulation is expected to
enter into force in January 2020 and is connected to the Special Act for
increasing the Competitiveness of the MPE industries which passed the National
Assembly in December 2019.
For more information, please refer to KIPRIS
News of 2 January 2020 (at time of writing only available in Korean).
