How long does Korean examination take?

MOIP's latest published figure is 14.4 months from the examination request to the first action, for 2022. Accelerated examination is faster for eligible cases, and the Patent Prosecution Highway can help too.

Do I need a representative in Korea?

Yes, if you live outside Korea. For a PCT entry, a registered patent attorney or legal representative must be appointed within 2 months after the 31-month deadline.

Does Korea have a grace period?

Yes. An application filed within 12 months of the inventor's own disclosure can avoid a novelty objection. It must be claimed at filing with proof within 30 days, unless a supplementary fee is paid.

Can I slow down Korean examination?

Yes. Request deferred examination within 9 months of the examination request. Pick a start date at least 2 years after the request and within 5 years of filing.

Are there fee reductions for individual inventors?

Yes, for PCT national phase entries. Filing, examination and first-3-year annuity fees are cut when the applicant is a natural person who is also the inventor, with limits above 20 applications a year.

Why is Korean examination so fast?

MOIP has added examiners, outsourced prior-art searches and automated its search tools. Its latest published average is 14.4 months from the examination request to a first action (2022), and accelerated examination is faster for eligible cases.

Are software and AI patents granted in Korea?

Yes, when the claims show a concrete technical use of the software. MOIP has issued specific examination guidelines for AI-related inventions.

What is the Korean utility model system?

Korea offers a separate utility model (Sil-yong-shin-ahn) for small inventions, with shorter examination and a 10-year term. Less commonly used than China's, but available for tactical filings.

Does Korea offer treble or punitive damages?

Yes, under 2024 amendments, willful patent infringement can carry damages up to 5x actual damages, making Korea increasingly important for enforcement strategy.

Can foreign applicants file directly in Korea?

Applicants who live outside Korea must act through a representative in Korea, in practice a registered patent attorney (Byeonrisa). We coordinate this end to end as part of our service.

Patent filing · MOIP (formerly KIPO)

Protect your invention in South Korea.

Korea gives 31 months from priority for PCT entry. Miss it and there is no reinstatement.

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Search and strategy first. Drafting and filing quoted in writing before any work.

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Before you start

How are you filing?

Directly at MOIPA Korean application, filed in Korean or in English first.Start My Patent
Through the PCTOne international application first, then Korea at 31 months.See PCT Filing
Also filing in JapanJapan gives 30 months for PCT entry, one less than Korea.See Japanese Filing

What it costs

One engagement, two clear stages.

You start with a search and a filing strategy, then a flat drafting-and-filing fee, so you decide with the search in hand, never a surprise. Government fees are passed through at cost.

Step One

Strategy & Search

$550

Patentability search + a written opinion on how to file.

MOIP patentability search and clearance assessment
Strategy: direct KR filing vs PCT national phase, Accelerated Examination eligibility
Korean translation cost forecast and Byeonrisa coordination plan
Engagement letter & roadmap (Step Two only if you proceed)

Step Two

Drafting & Filing

From $4,200

Drafting and filing your South Korea application.

Full specification & claims drafted to MOIP standards (initially in English)
Coordinated filing through Korean Patent Attorney (Byeonrisa)
Korean translation by MOIP-experienced patent translators
Filing of Request for Examination (within 3-year window)

Korean translation ($0.15–$0.22/word) and MOIP official fees are pass-through at cost.

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Ministry of Intellectual Property government fees, translations, and any complexity surcharges are quoted separately and passed through at cost.

Know the rules

How patent filing works in South Korea.

Average wait for a first action after the exam request (2022): 14.4 months
Filing, exam and first annuity fees, for an individual inventor: 70% off
Exam request office fee, plus ₩51,000 per claim: ₩166,000
Filing languages, with a Korean translation later: EN or KR

1

File the application

In Korean, or in English with a Korean translation within 14 months.
2

Request examination

Within 3 years of filing. Ask for faster or deferred examination if it helps.
3

Answer any refusal notice

Usually 2 months to reply, and more time can be requested.
4

Pay and register

Fees for the first 3 years within 3 months of the grant decision.

Key dates

30 days

Proof for a grace period claim
12 months

Last day to claim priority
14 months

Korean translation of an English filing
18 months

Application laid open
31 months

PCT entry, no reinstatement
3 years

Request examination

Your deadlines

Your situation

Filing date of your Korean application

An estimate. If you claimed priority, the translation counts from the earlier priority date. We confirm your dates before any filing.

Pick a date to see your own deadlines.

What you need

Owner and inventor details
Priority application details, if any
A Korean translation, if you file in English
A power of attorney, with a Korean translation

Common mistake

Counting on PCT reinstatement

Korea allows none after 31 months. Diary the date early.

Common mistake

Claiming the grace period late

Claim it at filing. A late claim costs extra and is only open at set stages.

Official sources (5)

The team on your file

A dedicated team, with you at every step.

We manage your application end to end. A registered patent attorney drafts and files it with MOIP, and your account team tracks every deadline.

Your Account Manager

Your day-to-day contact. Knows your file, so every conversation starts where the last one ended.
Your Senior Account Manager

Senior oversight on strategy and anything that escalates, so nothing important slips.