Korea Designs Update

On May 1, 2025, South Korea moved forward with strengthening design rights, following an amendment to the Design Protection Act (DPA). The changes aim to close loopholes, reduce abuse, and make it easier for rightful owners to claim their designs, and will come into effect on 28 November 2025.

1. Tougher Scrutiny on Fast-Tracked Designs
   For designs, South Korea operates a Substantive Examination System (SES) and a Partial-Substantive Examination System (PSES), which applies to articles that have a short lifecycle, e.g. foodstuffs, clothing, and articles of adornment. Designs filed under the PSES —previously checked only for basic formalities—will now be rejected if they clearly lack novelty or conflict with existing designs. This helps prevent the registration of already-known designs to gain unfair advantages.