In the fast-paced world of high-tech, a delayed decision is often as good as a lost case. Recognizing this, the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB) implemented significant updates to its “Regulations on Trial Procedures” as of July 21, 2025.

Taking the Driver’s Seat

The most significant shift is the empowerment of the applicant. In the past, “Priority Trials” for advanced technologies were largely at the discretion of the judge. Now, the burden of speed has shifted:

• Applicant-Driven Priority: For semiconductors and other advanced tech, you can now request a priority trial rather than waiting for an assignment.
• Predictable Fast-Tracks: If your patent received priority examination, you can now predictably carry that momentum through to the appeal stage.
• Trade Dispute Speed: Cases involving the Korea Trade Commission can now be fast-tracked automatically to resolve market entry conflicts rapidly.

The “Expedited Jump”: Resolving Backlogs

“Your brand is never yours until you claim it.” For applications stuck in the “long-tail” of the system, a new escape hatch has been created. If your application has been pending for the later of 3.5 years from filing or 2.5 years from the examination request, you can now request an Expedited Trial to force a decision.

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