2024 Ulsan Patent Filing Analysis and Patent Offices
Greetings from Pine IP Firm. Ulsan, often referred to as the industrial capital of South Korea, is particularly known for its strong presence in the automotive, shipbuilding, and petrochemical industries. Major companies like Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Heavy Industries are based here, making significant contributions to the national economy. In recent years, Ulsan has been actively transitioning from a traditional heavy industry hub to a leader in eco-friendly industries and advanced technologies. Particularly, the city is focusing on developing hydrogen-related technologies, aiming to become a "hydrogen city." These industrial transformations and innovations have naturally led to an increase in patent filings in the region. Today, we would like to introduce Ulsan's patent filing statistics.
Yearly Patent Filing Trends of Ulsan Companies (1977–2024)

The patent filing trends of Ulsan companies from 1977 to 2024 are as follows:
- Average filings per year: 953
- Highest filing year: 2012, with 3,543 patent filings
Patent filings have shown an increasing trend over time, with particularly active patent activities in recent years.
Key Applicant Analysis


HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Total patents: 12,500
- Key IPC: B63B-025/16 (Design and structure of marine structures)
- Most active year: 2012
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has filed numerous patents in the field of marine structure design and construction (B63B-025/16), a crucial area in marine engineering, with the most active year being 2012.
UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology) Industry-University Cooperation Foundation
- Total patents: 2,698
- Key IPC: H01M-004/36 (Active materials for batteries)
- Most active year: 2017
University of Ulsan Industry-University Cooperation Foundation
- Total patents: 1,985
- Key IPC: G01N-033/68 (Chemical analysis)
- Most active year: 2015
Lotte Fine Chemical
- Total patents: 660
- Key IPC: G03G-009/08 (Photosensitive drums for printers and copiers)
- Most active year: 2012
Hyundai Hysco
- Total patents: 481
- Key IPC: H01M-008/02 (Manufacturing methods for secondary batteries)
- Most active year: 2011
Patent Filing Distribution by Key Technology
A detailed analysis of patent filings by key IPC categories shows the following trends:


A detailed analysis of patent filings by key IPC categories shows the following trends:
- B63B-025/16 (Design and structure of marine structures)
- Total patents: 607
- Top applicant: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Most active year: 2020
- B63B-009/06 (Arrangement of superstructures on ships)
- Total patents: 484
- Top applicant: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Most active year: 2012
- B63B-009/00 (Structural features of hulls or vessels)
- Total patents: 469
- Top applicant: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Most active year: 2012
- B63B-035/44 (Handling of cargo on ships)
- Total patents: 249
- Top applicant: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Most active year: 2014
- B23K-037/00 (Welding, cutting, or heating of metals)
- Total patents: 198
- Top applicant: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
- Most active year: 2012
These IPC categories reflect the core technological areas of shipbuilding and marine technology, where the leading applicants have focused on innovations in ship design, structure, cargo handling, and metal welding techniques.
Conclusion
Ulsan is steadily increasing its patent filings as it transitions from a traditional heavy industry hub to a center of eco-friendly and advanced technologies. Key players in the region are actively filing patents in areas such as marine structures, battery technologies, and chemical analysis. Notably, Ulsan is making strides in future industries like the hydrogen economy. This increase in patent filings reflects Ulsan's efforts to enhance its industrial competitiveness through technological innovation, and the city shows great potential for continued growth.

Are you seeking a reliable partner to assist with patent filings or disputes in Ulsan? Look no further than Pine IP Firm, located right here in Ulsan. We offer specialized services to help companies in the Ulsan, Busan, and Gyeongnam regions protect their intellectual property and develop strong patent strategies.
Our Ulsan office is dedicated to safeguarding our clients' innovative ideas and maximizing their value. We prioritize close collaboration with local businesses in Ulsan to ensure they receive expert assistance in patent filings and dispute resolution. Whether you need help with patent filings or resolving patent disputes, Pine IP Firm is ready to be your trusted partner. You can find us conveniently located in Ulsan, in front of KBS in Nam-gu. For any inquiries related to Ulsan patent filings, disputes, or intellectual property, feel free to contact us at any time.