(1) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may request a specialized institution under paragraph (2) to conduct the following affairs where deemed necessary to examine applications for trademark registration: <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
1. Search of trademark;
2. Classification of goods;
3. Other affairs prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the examination of the use of a trademark.
(2) Any person intending to conduct affairs requested by the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office under paragraph (1) shall be registered as a specialized institution with the Commissioner. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(3) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may have a dedicated institution prescribed by Presidential Decree manage and evaluate the affairs of a specialized institution on his or her behalf where deemed necessary to effectively conduct the affairs prescribed in paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(4) The Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office may seek cooperation and opinions from related administrative agencies or persons with extensive knowledge of and experience in trademarks, or other relevant persons where deemed necessary to examine applications for trademark registration. <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
(5) Where an application for a collective mark with a geographical indication is filed on a product eligible for the registration of a geographical indication under the Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act, the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall hear opinions of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs or the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries as to whether such collective mark constitutes a geographical indication. <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>
(6) Criteria for the registration of a specialized institution under paragraph (2) and matters necessary for requesting trademark search, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019>[Title Amended on Jan. 8, 2019]