Need an earlier examination? What to check before requesting priority examination
Standard trademark applications are examined in filing order, so the first examination result can take considerable time.
allows eligible applications to be examined ahead of others. It may be an option if statutory grounds apply, such as existing use of the brand or concrete preparations for launch.
Submitting a request does not guarantee that priority examination will be granted. The same registration requirements apply as in standard examination.
When earlier examination matters
For example, you may be preparing a product launch or already supplying branded goods or services and need an examination result promptly.
An urgent business schedule does not automatically qualify an application. The key questions are whether a statutory ground applies and whether you can substantiate it.
What evidence should you prepare?
You need evidence showing actual use of the mark or concrete preparations to use it.
Examples may include photographs of goods bearing the mark, actual service screens, branded advertising, or production orders for products or packaging.
The quantity of evidence matters less than whether it shows use, or preparations for use, of the proposed mark for the and services.
When the request is based on use or preparations for use, the evidence must be reviewed against all designated goods in the application. Broadly claiming goods while submitting evidence for only some of them may not establish eligibility sufficiently.
How does OWNB handle the request?
We first review your business information and supporting materials to assess eligibility for .
A request can be made with the trademark application or after filing. We submit an explanation of the grounds and the necessary evidence to the Korean IP Office.
If the request is granted, examination proceeds ahead of the usual order. , , , and other registration requirements are still examined in the same way.
The most important consideration
brings forward the examination result. It does not increase the likelihood of registration.
If the pre-filing search identifies substantial risk, considering changes to the mark or may be more important than rushing the priority request.
OWNB considers the search results and priority examination requirements together when advising on the filing scope and approach.