Description of Main KIPOnet Systems
As of 2023, the KIPOnet system consists of 35 subsystems and can be classified into four main systems.
A. e-Filing System
The e-Filing System supports the electronic filing of not only domestic applications, but also PCT, Madrid and Hague international applications.
The 24-hour electronic application service is available whenever and wherever it is needed by the applicant. The system allows users to submit various documents on an electronic basis to KIPO, such as new application forms and interim documents, while also allowing access to notifications and certified documents received by applicants.
Functions
- The electronic filing process consists of four steps: " pre-registration → document preparation → submission → fee payment and application status inquiry" .
- (Pre-registration) Allows applicants to use the electronic filing system to file a patent application online.
- (Document preparation) Prepares electronic documents using electronic filing software or a web-based electronic filing system.
- (Submission, payment and inquiry) An application is submitted, payment is made for fees, and inquiry can be made for the status of submitted documents.
Features
- Provided features include a one-click electronic civil application service and patent information web service which enable users to handle electronic applications online.
B. Administration System
The Administration System supports all the tasks related to IP administration, including handling application submissions, examination, trial, and registration of patents, utility models, trademarks and designs.
The system helps KIPO staff to handle submitted IP application, examine application for registration and notify application status. In addition, applicants can access the IP administration system through mobile devices.
Functions
- Several subsystems support handling of administrative tasks, including the receipt, examination, registration, and trial process of IP applications.
- (Integrated application system) Receives applications, computerizes received documents, and issues filing receipts, as well as the notice of application number.
- (Integrated formality system) Examines the formality of IP applications and intermediate documents, assigns persons in charge, prepares notices and transfers to the examination system.
- (Examination system) Supports the examination process for those applications which pass the formality examination, and manages the period and examination schedule, inquiry of application status, electronic approval, and notification forwarding.
- (Trial system) Exchanges relevant information in association with the filing, examination and registration systems, prepares written decisions, and handles administrative documents related to trials.
- (Lawsuit system) Inquires the status of examination and trial, electronically approves internal documents and sends them online, and supports lawsuit-related tasks (e.g., searching written decisions and trials, etc.).
Features
- The paperless administration system improves office environment and work efficiency.
- By automating application assignment, classification, task allocation, and simple and repetitive tasks, the system provides efficiency and convenience in the examination process for KIPO staff.
C. Search System
The Search System supports easy and convenient web-based access to IP information from all over the world, including Korea, Japan, the US, and European countries.
The system provides a real-time search function for IP information and supports Korean and Japanese integrated searches, as well as English searches through the development of a technical synonym dictionary and a multilingual dictionary of Korean, English and Japanese. It also provides full-text inquiry, text retrieval, similar patent search, genome sequencing search, etc.
Functions
Subsystems are designed for searching relevant information regarding patents, designs, trademarks and written decisions and trials.
- (Patent search system) Supports full-text searches, integrated searches with a single query language, subscription searches according to examination schedule, and extended searches using a thesaurus and synonyms.
- (Design search system) Supports web-based searches for design information, catalogues, and fonts.
- (Trademark search system) Supports searches for trademark information, such as trade name, application number, application date, and applicant.
- (AI-based search system) Utilizes AI technology to conduct AI-based searches for figurative marks (2020), designs (2021), and similar patents (2022).
- (Written decision and trial search system) Supports searches for written decisions and trials and groups search results.
Features
The intelligent search service automatically generates an optimized keywords and phrases based on the analyzed intention of the user's query and provides desired results promptly and accurately.
The system allows easy and convenient web-based search for IP information at home and abroad, improving efficiency in examination and trial processes.
D. Internet Gazette Publication System
The Internet Gazette Publication System is for publishing the official gazette, which contains information related to IP and IP administration services.
The official gazette, which used to be published in brochure and CD-ROM formats, has been been published online since July 2001.
Functions
- (Public notice) Includes publicized citations of application details.
- (Registration gazette) Includes details of a patent that passed examination and was registered
- (Correction gazette) Re-publishes corrections made for errors found in the original public notice and registration gazettes.
- (Conveyance by public notice) Published when the addressee's home address or place of business is unclear and the application results cannot be delivered.
Features
- publication information in the patent information users' areas of interest is provided through push mail services.
- The official gazette documents are provided in PDF format for easy access by anyone.
- Last updated 06 July 2023
- Industrial Property Information System Division
(Industrial Property Information Policy Division
Industrial Property Data Management Division)