Unlock 70% Savings on Your Korean Patent: An Essential Guide for Foreign Inventors

Filing for a patent internationally can be a significant investment. The costs associated with applications, examinations, and registrations can quickly add up, often creating a barrier for individual inventors. However, if you're looking to protect your invention in South Korea, there's excellent news that could dramatically lower your costs.

The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) offers a substantial 70% fee reduction for certain types of applicants, and this benefit extends to foreign nationals. At Pine IP Firm, we want to ensure every innovator can leverage this opportunity. This guide breaks down exactly who is eligible, what fees are covered, and how you can take advantage of this significant saving.

The Crucial Question: Are You Eligible for the 70% Discount?

✅ YES, you are eligible if: You are a foreign individual, and you are both the inventor and the applicant. The person who created the invention is the same person filing the application.
❌ NO, you are not eligible if: You are a foreign company. This includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), corporations, or any other legal entity. The 70% fee reduction does not apply to foreign-based companies, regardless of their size.

This distinction is key. South Korea's policy is designed to support individual innovators, making it a more accessible and attractive market for solo inventors and researchers from around the world.

Official KIPO Fees with the 70% Reduction

So, what costs are actually reduced? The 70% discount applies to the most critical stages of the patent, utility model, and design application processes. Below is a clear breakdown of the savings you can expect. All fees are in Korean Won (KRW).

Category	Fee Item	Full Fee (Online)	After 70% Reduction
1. Application Fees	Patent Application (in English)	KRW 73,000	KRW 21,900
	Utility Model Application (in English)	KRW 32,000	KRW 9,600
	Design Application – Full Examination	KRW 94,000	KRW 28,200
	Design Application – Partial Examination	KRW 45,000	KRW 13,500
2. Request for Examination	Patent – Base Fee	KRW 166,000	KRW 49,800
	Patent – Per Claim	KRW 51,000	KRW 15,300
	Utility Model – Base Fee	KRW 71,000	KRW 21,300
	Utility Model – Per Claim	KRW 19,000	KRW 5,700
3. Registration Fees (1st–3rd year)	Patent – Base (per year)	KRW 13,000	KRW 3,900
	Patent – Per Claim (per year)	KRW 12,000	KRW 3,600
	Utility Model – Base (per year)	KRW 12,000	KRW 3,600
	Utility Model – Per Claim (per year)	KRW 4,000	KRW 1,200
	Design – Per Year (per design)	KRW 25,000	KRW 7,500
4. Other Fees	Divisional Application Fee (Patent)	KRW 46,000	KRW 13,800
	Converted Application Fee	Same as New Application	70% Reduction Applies
	Scope Confirmation Trial – Base Fee	KRW 150,000	KRW 45,000
	Scope Confirmation Trial – Per Claim	KRW 15,000	KRW 4,500

Important Exclusions: What's Not Discounted?

To plan your budget accurately, it's equally important to know which fees are not covered by the 70% reduction for individuals.

Accelerated Examination Fee (우선심사신청료): This fee is not eligible for the individual discount.
Trademarks (상표): The entire trademark application and registration process is excluded from this type of fee reduction.

A Strategic Advantage for Individual Inventors

This 70% fee reduction is more than just a discount; it's a strategic advantage. It significantly lowers the financial barrier to entry into one of the world's most innovative markets. For individual inventors, university researchers, and tech entrepreneurs acting in their own name, this makes securing intellectual property rights in South Korea substantially more affordable.

By reducing the initial costs of application, examination, and registration, you can allocate more resources to developing your invention, marketing, or seeking protection in other jurisdictions.

Partner with Pine IP Firm to Maximize Your Savings

Navigating the KIPO fee structure and ensuring you meet the precise eligibility requirements can be complex. The team at Pine IP Firm specializes in guiding international clients through the Korean IP system.

We can help you:

Confirm your eligibility for all available fee reductions.
Prepare and file your application correctly to secure the discount.
Manage the entire patent lifecycle, from application to registration and maintenance.

Don't leave money on the table. Protect your innovation in South Korea efficiently and cost-effectively.

Contact Pine IP Firm today for a consultation and let us help you secure your intellectual property with maximum savings.