Patent Prosecution

We are committed to protecting clients’ innovations and intellectual property with precision, backed by an extensive evaluation of each patent’s likelihood of successful registration. This involves a detailed analysis of search reports and prior art.

Filing an Application

Based on our translation quality, we are specialized in filing patent applications for foreign corporation. We clearly understand KIPO’s policy through many year’s experience. Before the filing of application, we thoroughly review the specification. We can provide effective and reliable comments when Office Action is issued, which is based on Korean practice. After the registration of a patent, we can protect the client’s right through trial (invalidation, confirmation of the scope of claims, etc) and petition for cancellation of the trial decision.

Translation Fees

For translating the English patent specification into Korean, we charge USD 26 per 100 words. Discounts may be available for large volumes of translation.

Application Fees

The base fee for filing a patent application is USD 910, including legal fees of USD 850 and official fees of USD 60. Complex inventions or applications with multiple claims may incur additional fees.

Examination Fees

Upon entering the examination phase, we charge USD 400 to 1300 (USD 300 for legal fees and USD 100 to 1000 for official fees) to manage the prosecution process until the grant.

Registration Fees

Upon registration, we charge USD 580 to 780 (legal fees of USD 480 and official fees of USD 100 to 300). We will deliver the Patent Certificate and Patent Registry documents to you via airmail.

What is the procedure to get a patent registered in Korean

Under relevant Patent Law, a Patent Application goes through a formalities check and substantive examination. The typical timeline to grant, assuming no objections or oppositions, is 18 to 24 months. If the accelerated examination (PPH) service is requested, registration can be achieved in about 1 year. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.

What is needed for your application

  • Appliant’s Full Name and Address
  • Inventor’s Full Name and Address
  • Detailed Description of the Invention
  • Claims defining the scope of protection
  • Any drawings or diagrams supporting the invention
  • Priority information, if claiming priority from a previous filing
  • If based on a PCT application, providing PCT application details may suffice.

Our Filing Procedures

  • After we receive the necessary information (inventor details, invention description, claims, etc.), we will prepare a Power of Attorney for you to sign.
  • We will issue an Invoice for the services.
  • We will consult with you to finalize the claims and description.
  • Once we have the signed Power of Attorney and payment, we will proceed with the application within 2-3 business days.
  • We will provide a Filing Acknowledgement after filing.

Filing Request

For filing applications, send a request email to [email protected], including the following information:

  • Full Name of the Applicant
  • Full Address of the Applicant
  • Details of the PCT Application or Original Domestic Application

Patent Search Service

Our service involves a comprehensive search to assess the availability of a patent in Korea within the relevant industry sector. We provide a detailed patent search report, which includes an analysis of the patent’s novelty, as well as any potential conflicts with existing patents or prior applications.

Given our expertise in providing patent services in Korea, we ensure that our clients receive accurate and insightful assessments to inform their patenting decisions effectively.

Search Fees

Pre-application Search before Patent Filing: USD 600

Duration

Upon receipt of payment, we will provide a comprehensive search report within five business days.

What is needed for a patent search?

  • Description of the Invention: A detailed description of the invention is necessary. This includes technical details, components, and how the invention works.
  • Relevant Keywords or Concepts: Keywords and concepts related to the invention help in finding similar existing patents and determining if the invention is unique.

Patent Search Request

For Patent Service, send a request email to [email protected], including the following information:

  • Purpose of Search (e.g., invalidation proceedings, Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis, pre-application search before patent filing)
  • Description of the Invention
  • Relevant Keywords or Concepts

Patent Annuity Service

The maintenance of a patent right requires the payment of annuities (also known as maintenance fees or renewal fees) to keep the patent in force. Typically, annuities need to be paid annually beginning from the filing date or from the grant date, depending on the jurisdiction.

For the management of patent annuities, an annuity service involves the following steps:

  1. Annuity Payment Tracking: The service tracks the due dates for annuity payments for each patent in the portfolio. This ensures that all payments are made on time to avoid the lapse of patent rights.
  2. Annuity Payment Processing: Upon approaching the payment deadline, the service prepares and files the necessary payment with the relevant patent office. This includes handling all administrative tasks related to the payment such as completing the required forms and managing the transaction.
  3. Confirmation of Payment and Renewal: Once the annuity payment has been made, the service confirms that the payment has been processed and that the patent remains in force. The service provides official receipts and updates the patent status in their records.
  4. Notification Service: The annuity service notifies the patent holder well in advance of upcoming due dates, and provides regular updates on the patent status. This ensures that the patent owner is always informed and can make decisions regarding the continuation or lapse of the patent.

Annity Fee

For paying the maintenance fee for a patent, a service fee of USD 150 is required. Please refer to the official fees below:

Annual FeeKRW
1 to 3 years (Grant fee is included)
a. Annual basic fee
b. Annual additional fee for each claim		13,000
12,000
4 to 6 years
a. Annual basic fee
b. Annual additional fee for each claim		36,000
20,000
7 to 9 years
a. Annual basic fee
b. Annual additional fee for each claim		90,000
34,000
10 to 12 years
a. Annual basic fee
b. Annual additional fee for each claim		216,000
49,000
13 to 15 years
a. Annual basic fee
b. Annual additional fee for each claim		324,000
49,000
16 to 25 years
a. Annual basic fee
b. Annual additional fee for each claim		324,000
49,000

What is required for your annual fee payment?

  • Registration Number

Our Patent Maintenance Service Procedures

  • Once we receive the required details (Full Registrant Name, Registration Number), we will issue an Invoice for the service.
  • We will verify the specific patent for which maintenance fees are due and confirm it with you.
  • After confirming receipt of payment, we will submit the Maintenance Fee Payment within 1-2 business days.
  • Once the payment is processed, we will send you a confirmation report detailing the Maintenance Fee Submission.

Maintenance Fee Payment Request

For our assistance with the payment of patent maintenance fees on behalf of the client, please send a request email to [email protected], including the following information:

  • Full Registrant Name
  • Registration Number

Transfer of a Patent right or application

Generally, a patent right may be freely sold or donated without reference to specific technologies, and divided by each of its designated technology sectors.

Since patent rights are intangible property rights, they need to be freely transferrable like common property rights. The transfer of a patent right or application replaces only the patent owner, keeping the content of the patent right or application intact.

Fee and duration

Filing Fees for an assignment application are USD 391 only (legal fees of USD 310 and official fees of USD 81).

Once we file an assignment application with KIPO (Korean Intellectual Property Office), it normally takes from three to four days to complete an assignment procedure.

What is needed for transfer of a patent right or application?

To assign a patent, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Contract of the assignment
  • Executed power of attorney
  • Notarized certificate of nationality

(※ Please note that as with all patent-related procedures in Korea, if you don’t have a residential or business address in Korea, the assignment process should be handled by a representative with a residential or business address in Korea.)

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