(1) Where an examiner discovers grounds for rejection after publication of an application, he or she may decide to reject trademark registration under Article 54ex officio.
(2) Where an examiner decides to reject trademark registration pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall not decide on a formal objection even if the formal objection is raised.
(3) Where an examiner decides to reject trademark registration pursuant to paragraph (1), the Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office shall serve a certified copy of a decision to reject trademark registration on a person who has raised a formal objection.