How long does trademark registration take?
When considering a trademark timeline, distinguish the first examination result from the date the rights are actually registered.
Even when no grounds for refusal are found, , the opposition period, a , and payment of registration fees still follow.
How long does standard examination take?
The 2025 statistical yearbook cited in the Korean IP Office's August 2026 guidance puts the first trademark examination processing time at approximately 11.9 months from filing.
This is an average reference figure for the first examination, not a promise that every mark will be registered within that period. Actual processing times depend on the examination workload and the circumstances of the application.
How much faster is priority examination?
If is granted and the application proceeds without grounds for refusal, the expected time from the request to a decision is approximately 1-2 months. This is a guide only; actual timing depends on examination circumstances.
The starting point for the examination commencement period is the dispatch date of the decision granting priority examination, not the request date. Under Article 50 of the Trademark Examination Administrative Regulations, examination should in principle begin within 30 or 45 days (approximately 1-1.5 months) of dispatch, depending on the grounds for the request. Time spent determining eligibility and supplying supplementary evidence is separate.
If no grounds for refusal are found, the application proceeds to publication. The period above is a standard for beginning examination, not a guaranteed deadline for the first result or final registration. An adds time for a response and further review. Publication is also followed by a 30-day opposition period, a , and payment of registration fees.
Why timing can change after the first examination
No grounds for refusal
The application proceeds to and a 30-day opposition period. If no issues arise, registration can be completed by paying the fees after a .
An office action is issued
Time is needed to agree on a response with you and submit arguments or amendments. The examiner then reviews the response, which may extend the overall process.
A third party files an opposition
An opposition filed after publication requires review of the grounds and the relevant proceedings. Publication therefore does not establish a definite registration date.
What changes if you delay filing?
Korea generally follows a first-to-file system, so securing a filing date matters alongside your launch schedule.
Reviewing registrability before committing to a name, products, signs, or packaging can help reduce the risk of revising business plans because of an .
After filing, OWNB provides examination-stage updates and related documents. If further review or a decision from you is required, the relevant information is made available.