Brief summary
- The application fee for a Korean patent application is KRW 46,000 per application when filed electronically. A patent application in a foreign language, filed with an English specification, costs KRW 73,000.
- Each priority claim adds KRW 18,000.
- The fee for request for examination is KRW 166,000 plus KRW 51,000 per claim. It is paid separately, within three years from the filing date.
- An application with 20 claims and one priority claim, filed together with a request for examination, costs KRW 1,250,000 in official fees.
Amounts are taken from the Regulation on the Collection of Patent Fees, etc. (특허료 등의 징수규칙) in force from 27 February 2026. Last verified on 8 October 2026. Agent fees and translation costs are not included in the amounts in this article.
Last verified
Official fees at the filing stage at a glance
As of October 2026, for an applicant with no fee reduction who files electronically.
| Item | Amount | When paid | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (Korean specification) | KRW 46,000 | At filing | Fee Regulation, Art. 2(1), subparagraph 1 (a) |
| Application fee (English specification, patent application in a foreign language) | KRW 73,000 | At filing | Art. 2(1), subparagraph 1 (c) |
| Priority claim fee | KRW 18,000 per priority claim | At filing | Art. 2(1), subparagraph 5 |
| Fee for request for examination | KRW 166,000 + (number of claims × KRW 51,000) | At the request for examination (within three years from the filing date) | Art. 2(1), subparagraph 7 |
| Claims added after the request for examination | KRW 51,000 per added claim | When the written amendment is filed | Art. 2(1), subparagraph 9 |
| Fee for request for accelerated examination (expedited examination) | KRW 200,000 | At the request for accelerated examination | Art. 2(1), subparagraph 8 |
| Divisional application fee | 1 time (first divisional) to 5 times (fifth and later divisionals) the filing fee for a new application | At filing of the divisional application | Art. 2(1), subparagraph 3 |
The application fee is an official fee under Article 82 of the Patent Act (특허법). The amounts are set by the Fee Regulation, which is a Prime Ministerial Decree. [1][2]
The application fee is KRW 46,000 and does not depend on the number of claims
The application fee for a patent application filed electronically is KRW 46,000 per application (Fee Regulation, Art. 2(1), subparagraph 1 (a)). [1] For an electronic application, the application fee has no additional fee for the number of pages or the number of claims. [1]
If the specification, drawings and abstract are prepared with software that the Ministry of Intellectual Property (지식재산처, MOIP) does not provide, the application fee is KRW 56,000. [1] An application filed with a provisional specification (임시 명세서), which contains no claims, is excluded from this additional fee. [1][3]
For a paper-based application, the application fee is KRW 66,000. If the specification, drawings and abstract exceed 20 pages in total, KRW 1,000 is added for each page above 20. [1]
| Filing method | Korean specification | English specification (patent application in a foreign language) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic | KRW 46,000 | KRW 73,000 |
| Electronic, prepared with software not provided by MOIP | KRW 56,000 | KRW 73,000 |
| Paper | KRW 66,000 + KRW 1,000 for each page above 20 | KRW 93,000 + KRW 1,000 for each page above 20 |
Article 2(1), subparagraph 1 (c) of the Fee Regulation sets the application fee for a patent application in a foreign language filed electronically at KRW 73,000 per application. [1] Item (c) has no additional fee for software like the proviso to item (a). [1]
The application fee of KRW 46,000 was the same amount in the Fee Regulation in force from 1 January 2015. [4] The amendment of 1 August 2023 increased the fee for request for examination and the divisional application fee. The application fee did not change at that time either. [1][4]
Filing in English costs KRW 73,000
A patent application in a foreign language (외국어특허출원), filed with the specification and drawings in English, costs KRW 73,000 when filed electronically (Fee Regulation, Art. 2(1), subparagraph 1 (c)). [1] English is the language that can be used for a patent application in a foreign language (Enforcement Rules of the Patent Act (특허법 시행규칙), Art. 21-2(1)). [3]
The applicant of a patent application in a foreign language must file a Korean translation separately. The time limit is one year and two months from the priority date, or from the filing date if there is no priority claim (Patent Act, Art. 42-3(2) and Art. 64(1)). [2] If there are two or more priority claims, the period runs from the earliest priority date. [2] If the applicant first receives notice of a request for examination by a third party, the time limit is the earlier of three months from the date of that notice and the time limit above. [2] If the Korean translation of the specification is not filed by the time limit, the application is deemed withdrawn (Art. 42-3(4)). [2]
The applicant of a patent application in a foreign language cannot request examination before filing the Korean translation (Patent Act, Art. 59(2), subparagraph 2). [2] For an application filed with an English specification, the applicant requests examination and pays the fee for request for examination after filing the translation. [2]
Article 2(1) of the Fee Regulation has no fee for the filing of the Korean translation itself. [1] A fee for correction of mistranslation is paid when a mistranslation in the translation is corrected. For an electronic application, it is KRW 71,000 plus KRW 22,000 per claim (Art. 2(1), subparagraph 10-2). [1]
Each priority claim costs KRW 18,000
The priority claim fee is KRW 18,000 per priority claim when filed electronically (Fee Regulation, Art. 2(1), subparagraph 5). [1] For a paper-based application, it is KRW 20,000. [1] The fee for adding a priority claim later is also KRW 18,000 per priority claim (Art. 2(1), subparagraph 6). [1]
An application that claims priority from two basic applications pays a priority claim fee of KRW 36,000.
The fee for request for examination is paid separately from the application fee
In Korea, examination starts only when a request for examination is filed, and the fee for request for examination is a separate official fee from the application fee (Patent Act, Art. 59(1)). [2] The fee for request for examination is KRW 166,000 plus KRW 51,000 for each claim in the claims (Fee Regulation, Art. 2(1), subparagraph 7). [1]
Examination can be requested within three years from the filing date (Patent Act, Art. 59(2)). [2] The official fees that must be paid on the filing date are therefore the application fee and the priority claim fee. If no request for examination is filed within three years, the application is deemed withdrawn (Art. 59(5)). [2]
The fee for request for examination depends on the filing date. For an application filed before 1 August 2023, the fee is KRW 143,000 plus KRW 44,000 per claim. [1][4] This is because Article 3(2) of the Addenda to the Fee Regulation (Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy No. 517) applies the previous provisions to applications filed before the amendment took effect. [1] The filing date here is the filing date of the original application (parent application) for a divisional application (Patent Act, Art. 52(2), main clause) and the international filing date for an international patent application (PCT application designating Korea) (Art. 199(1)). [2]
For an application filed on 31 July 2023, the three-year period for requesting examination ended on 31 July 2026 (Patent Act, Art. 14 and Art. 59(2)). [2] For a divisional application, a separational application (splitting-off) or a converted application, examination can be requested within 30 days from the date of that application, even after the three years have passed (Art. 59(3)). [2]
If claims are added by amendment after the request for examination, KRW 51,000 is charged for each added claim (Fee Regulation, Art. 2(1), subparagraph 9). [1] For an application filed before 1 May 2024, the amount is KRW 44,000 per added claim. [1][4] This is because Article 3 of the Addenda to the Fee Regulation (Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy No. 556) applies the previous provisions to those applications. [1] Here too, the filing date is the filing date of the original application for a divisional application and the international filing date for an international patent application. [2]
The fee for request for examination, registration fee and annual fees by number of claims are covered in another article. Its title is “How much does each claim cost in a Korean patent application?“
Official fees are due by the day after the receipt number is issued
The application fee and the priority claim fee are due by the day after the day the receipt number is issued (Fee Regulation, Art. 8(1)). [1] If that day is a public holiday, Workers’ Day or a Saturday, the fees are due by the first working day after it (Art. 8(2)). [1] The fee for request for examination is also due by the day after the receipt number is issued for the request for examination (Art. 8(4)). [1]
If the application is withdrawn or abandoned within one month after filing, the application fee and the priority claim fee are refunded (Patent Act, Art. 84(1), subparagraph 4). [2] Divisional applications, separational applications, converted applications and applications for which accelerated examination has been requested are excluded from this refund. [2]
The fee for request for examination is refunded if the application is withdrawn or abandoned before events such as a notice of grounds for rejection or service of the certified copy of the decision to grant (Art. 84(1), subparagraph 5). [2] Article 84(1) of the Patent Act provides that official fees are refunded only in the cases listed in its subparagraphs. [2] A reduction in the number of claims after the request for examination is not among those subparagraphs. [2]
Individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized enterprises receive reductions
Attached Table 5 of the Fee Regulation reduces the application fee and the fee for request for examination by 70% for individuals and for small and medium-sized enterprises under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises (중소기업기본법). [1] The reduction is 85% for individuals aged 19 to 29 or aged 65 or older, and 30% for mid-sized enterprises (middle-standing enterprise). [1] An individual receives the reduction only when the inventor and the applicant are the same person. [1] The application fee reduction for an individual applies to up to 20 applications per year for each type of right. Applications above that number receive a 30% reduction. [1] A 2024 casebook of patent customer counselling of MOIP states that the 70% reduction applies to an individual application in which the inventor and the applicant are the same person, with no distinction between Korean and foreign nationals. [7] The 2026 edition of the SME Scope Guide (중소기업 범위해설) of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부) excludes a corporation established under foreign law from assessment as a small and medium-sized enterprise. [8] The amounts in this article are without any reduction.
Example: 10, 20 and 30 claims
The figures assume an electronic application, one priority claim, no fee reduction and an application filed on or after 1 August 2023. Agent fees and translation costs are not included.
| Item | 10 claims | 20 claims | 30 claims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (Korean specification) | KRW 46,000 | KRW 46,000 | KRW 46,000 |
| Priority claim fee (one priority claim) | KRW 18,000 | KRW 18,000 | KRW 18,000 |
| Amount paid on the filing date | KRW 64,000 | KRW 64,000 | KRW 64,000 |
| Fee for request for examination | KRW 676,000 | KRW 1,186,000 | KRW 1,696,000 |
| Total up to the request for examination | KRW 740,000 | KRW 1,250,000 | KRW 1,760,000 |
| Total when filed with an English specification | KRW 767,000 | KRW 1,277,000 | KRW 1,787,000 |
The total for an application filed with an English specification uses the application fee of KRW 73,000. In that case, examination is requested after the Korean translation is filed. [2]
Most of the official fees at the filing stage are the fee for request for examination. For an application with 20 claims, the fee for request for examination is KRW 1,186,000 of the total of KRW 1,250,000.
After a decision to grant, the applicant pays the annual fees for three years at registration of the grant of the patent (Patent Act, Art. 79(1)). [2] The annual fee for each of years 1 to 3 is KRW 13,000 plus KRW 12,000 per claim (Fee Regulation, attached Table 1). [1] For 20 claims, the three years cost KRW 759,000. If the patent registration certificate is issued electronically, KRW 10,000 is deducted until 31 December 2029, and the amount is KRW 749,000 (Fee Regulation, Art. 8(5)). [1]
How Korea differs
In Korea, the amount paid on the filing date is small, and the cost of examination is paid separately at the request for examination.
| Country | Fee for filing | Fees for examination | Date of the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea | KRW 46,000 (electronic, Korean) | Fee for request for examination of KRW 166,000 + KRW 51,000 per claim | In force from 27 February 2026 [1] |
| United States | Basic filing fee of USD 350 | Search fee of USD 770, examination fee of USD 880 | Effective 19 January 2025, last revised 14 August 2026 [5] |
| Japan | JPY 14,000 (JPY 22,000 for a foreign-language written application) | Fee for request for examination of JPY 138,000 + JPY 4,000 per claim | Updated 6 April 2026 [6] |
The US amounts are for an applicant with no discount (large entity). [5] The USPTO Fee Schedule lists these three fees in different sections. [5] The USPTO states in that schedule that a nonprovisional application requires all three fees. [5] The three amounts add up to USD 2,000.
The Korean fee for request for examination has no number of claims that are free of charge. KRW 51,000 is charged for each claim, from the first claim. [1]
What applicants should do
- In general, we suggest setting the official fee budget for a Korean application on the basis of the fee for request for examination, not the application fee.
- We suggest deciding before filing whether to request examination at filing or to defer the request within the three years. If the request is deferred, the official fees on the filing date are reduced to the application fee and the priority claim fee.
- We suggest finalizing the claims before the request for examination. Claims added after the request cost KRW 51,000 each, and a reduction in the number of claims is not a ground for refund.
- When filing first with an English specification, we suggest recording the time limit for the Korean translation on the filing date. If the translation is not filed, the application is deemed withdrawn.
- The amounts for a particular application, and whether a fee reduction applies, should be confirmed with a Korean agent.
FAQ
Does the Korean application fee depend on the number of claims?
No. The application fee for an electronic application is KRW 46,000 per application. [1] The fee that depends on the number of claims is the fee for request for examination. [1]
Does the fee for request for examination have to be paid at filing?
No. Examination can be requested within three years from the filing date, and the fee for request for examination is paid at the request for examination. [1][2]
How much more does it cost to file with an English specification?
For an electronic application, the application fee increases by KRW 27,000, from KRW 46,000 to KRW 73,000. [1] The Korean translation must be filed within one year and two months from the priority date, or from the filing date if there is no priority claim. [2]
Is the application fee refunded if the application is withdrawn?
If the application is withdrawn or abandoned within one month after filing, the application fee and the priority claim fee are refunded. [2] Divisional applications, separational applications, converted applications and applications for which accelerated examination has been requested are excluded. [2]
Are there reductions for small and medium-sized enterprises or individuals?
Yes. Attached Table 5 of the Fee Regulation reduces the application fee and the fee for request for examination by 70% for individuals and for small and medium-sized enterprises under the Framework Act on Small and Medium Enterprises. [1] The reduction for mid-sized enterprises is 30%. [1] The amounts in this article are without any reduction.
How DEFINE IP Law Firm handles this
DEFINE IP Law Firm manages the number of claims as a cost item during prosecution. We confirm with the applicant which claims to keep at two points: before the request for examination and before payment of the registration fee. For questions about official fees and claim structure of Korean applications, please write to contact@defineip.kr.
Sources
- Ministry of Intellectual Property (지식재산처), Regulation on the Collection of Patent Fees, etc. (특허료 등의 징수규칙), Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2098, in force from 27 February 2026. Article 2(1), Articles 7 and 8, attached Tables 1 and 5, Addenda (Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy No. 517, 1 August 2023) Art. 3, Addenda (Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy No. 556, 1 May 2024) Art. 3. https://www.law.go.kr/법령/특허료등의징수규칙 (verified 8 October 2026)
- Patent Act (특허법), Act No. 21134, in force from 11 November 2025. Articles 14, 42-3, 52, 59, 64, 79, 82, 84 and 199. https://www.law.go.kr/법령/특허법 (verified 8 October 2026)
- Enforcement Rules of the Patent Act (특허법 시행규칙), Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2115, in force from 14 May 2026. Articles 21 and 21-2. https://www.law.go.kr/법령/특허법시행규칙 (verified 8 October 2026)
- Regulation on the Collection of Patent Fees, etc. (특허료 등의 징수규칙), versions before amendment: Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy No. 499 (in force from 4 February 2023), Article 2(1), subparagraphs 1, 3 and 7; Ordinance of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy No. 517 (in force from 1 August 2023), Article 2(1), subparagraph 9; version in force from 1 January 2015, Article 2(1), subparagraph 1. Version history at https://www.law.go.kr/법령/특허료등의징수규칙 (verified 8 October 2026)
- USPTO, USPTO Fee Schedule, effective 19 January 2025 (last revised 14 August 2026). https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/fees-and-payment/uspto-fee-schedule (verified 8 October 2026)
- Japan Patent Office, 産業財産権関係料金一覧 (Schedule of Fees), updated 6 April 2026. https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/process/tesuryo/hyou.html (verified 8 October 2026)
- Ministry of Intellectual Property (지식재산처), ministry interpretation “수수료를 감면·면제 받을 수 있는 조건은 어떻게 됩니까?” (from the 2024 Patent Customer Counselling Casebook), collected by the Korea Law Information Center on 24 November 2025. https://www.law.go.kr/LSW/cgmExpcInfoP.do?cgmExpcDatSeq=6507750&ofiClsCd=350137 (verified 9 October 2026)
- Ministry of SMEs and Startups (중소벤처기업부), 알기 쉽게 풀어 쓴 중소기업 범위해설 (SME Scope Guide), 2026 edition, published December 2025. Case 15. https://www.mss.go.kr/site/smba/ex/bbs/List.do?cbIdx=147 (verified 9 October 2026)