Design Protection System of South Korea and North Korea (2)

The Different Design Registration procedures of South and North Korea

Both South and North Korea follow ‘First to File Rule’ and ‘One Application for One Design (Industrial Design) Rule.’  However, South Korea allows ‘Multiple Design Application’ and ‘Set Item Design System’ as exceptions for applicants under the certain requirements.

To submit applications, both South and North Korea requires applicant to visit ‘Intellectual Property Office’ and ‘Industrial Design Registration Agency’ or send documents by mail.  In South Korea, with the development of the internet and government support, the use of electronic application has increased in recent years.  In contrast, North Korea is not supporting electronic application and sometimes use telex or fax when it is unavoidable.

© David Salafia | Flickr

South Korea allows early release of  registration of design application based on applicants’ request of publication.  South Korea also has ‘Secret Design System’ which allows applicants request the design be kept in secret for a period of three years from the date upon which it is registered or protected.  However, North Korea regulates registered industrial design publically release only through Industrial Design Official Report.

To be Continued...

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