KIPO Launches a Dedicated Examination Division for Biotechnology to Fully Operate Fast-Track Patent Examination Channel
In support of the South Korean government’s initiative to promote biotechnology as a “new engine for growth,” the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) has launched a dedicated examination division for biotechnology. The inauguration ceremony of this division was held on March 10, 2025. The dedicated examination division for biotechnology has five specialized departments, including Biotech Fundamentals Examination Department, Biotech Diagnostics and Analysis Examination Department, Biopharmaceutical Examination Department, Healthcare Devices Examination Department, and Healthcare Data Examination Department, forming a comprehensive examination system that spans the entire biotech industry ecosystem.
With the official launch of this dedicated division, a fast-track patent examination channel for biotechnology is now fully operational. By integrating the capabilities of 120 patent examiners, the system not only enhances the quality of collaborative examinations, but is also expected to significantly reduce the average processing time for examinations – from the current average of 18.9 months to as little as 2 months.
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