WIPO - PCT Applicant's Guide KR - Republic of Korea
Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea)

    Applicable as from 15 October 2025
    (published on 15 October 2025)

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    Useful information

    The PCT Applicant’s Guide is updated almost every week with information received by the International Bureau.
    In case of question, please contact the Office or the International Bureau: pct.guide@wipo.int.
    List of abbreviations used in this document:
    Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea)
    PL: Patent Law of the Republic of Korea
    ER: Enforcement Regulations under the Patent Law of the Republic of Korea
    UML: Utility Model Law of the Republic of Korea
    List of currencies used in this document:
    AUD (Australian dollar), CHF (Swiss franc), EUR (Euro), KRW (Korean won), NZD (New Zealand dollar), SGD (Singapore dollar), USD (US dollar)
    Countries and Offices information:
    The list of acronyms used for Offices is no longer shown as it has been integrated in the mouseover functionality for each ST.3 code shown in this document.
    Refer to List of WIPO Standards, Recommendations and Guidelines formerly Annex K, List of country names and two-letter codes. It includes a list of short names and two-letter codes accepted for use in indicating States, other entities and intergovernmental organizations and their Offices in documents relating to international applications under the PCT. The list is as set out in WIPO Standard ST.3.
    Also refer to PCT Contracting States formerly Annex A.
    Office profile
    For more technical information about the Office, refer to ePCT Office profile.
    PCT Reservations, Declarations, Notifications and Incompatibilities
    Rule 20.8(a),
    Rule 20.8(a-bis),
    Rule 20.8(b),
    Rule 20.8(b-bis),
    Rule 26bis.3(j),
    Rule 4.9(b),
    Rule 49.6(f),
    Rule 49ter.1(g),
    Rule 49ter.2(h)

    Refer to the full list.
    PCT Rule 20.8(a-bis), The Offices (in their capacity as receiving Offices) of the States listed in this table have notified the International Bureau (IB) that new PCT Rules 20.5bis(a)(ii) and 20.5bis(d), are not compatible and/or cannot be considered to be compatible with the national law applied by the Office, or are deemed to have notified the IB of this incompatibility on the basis of a notification made under PCT Rule 20.8(a) that remains in effect.
    PCT Rule 20.8(b-bis), The Offices (in their capacity as designated Offices) of the States listed in this table have notified the International Bureau (IB) that PCT Rules 20.5bis(a)(ii) and 20.5bis(d), are not compatible and/or cannot be considered to be compatible with the national law applied by the Office, or are deemed to have notified the IB of this incompatibility on the basis of a notification made under PCT Rule 20.8(b) that remains in effect.
    Office Closed dates
    The Office is closed weekly on Saturday and Sunday
    Additional closed dates can be consulted on the Office Closed dates page

    International Phase

    Annex B - Information on Contracting States or Intergovernmental Organization

    Contracting State:
    Republic of Korea
    Two-letter code:
    KR
    Name of Office:
    Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea)
    Location:
    Government Complex-Daejeon
    189 Cheongsa-ro
    Seo-gu
    Daejeon 35208
    Republic of Korea
    Mailing address:
    Same as above
    Telephone:
    (82-42) 481 87 70 (RO)
    (82-42) 481 57 41 (ISA/IPEA)
    E-mail:
    RO
    moippct@korea.kr
    ISA/IPEA
    isamoip@korea.kr
    Website:
    Facsimile:
    (82-42) 472 34 73 (RO)
    (82-42) 481 85 78 (ISA/IPEA)
    Does the Office accept the filing of documents by facsimile or the like means (PCT Rule 92.4)?
    Yes, by facsimile
    Which kinds of documents may be so transmitted?
    All kinds of documents except the translation to be furnished under PCT Article 22 or 39
    Must the original of the document be furnished in all cases?
    No, only upon invitation
    Does the Office send notifications via e-mail in respect of international applications?
    Also refer to Annexes D and E
    Yes
    Would the Office accept evidence of mailing a document, in case of loss or delay, where a delivery service other than the postal authorities is used (PCT Rule 82.1)?
    No
    Is the Office prepared to allow applicants to make applications available to the WIPO Digital Access Service for Priority Documents (DAS) (PCT Rule 17.1(b-bis)?
    More information about WIPO DAS is available at: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/das.
    For further details on how to request this Office to make applications available to DAS refer to https://www.patent.go.kr/smart/jsp/ka/menu/support/main/WipoAccessCodeHelp.do
    Yes, the Office is prepared to allow applicants to make national applications available to the WIPO DAS
    Competent receiving Office(s) for international applications filed by nationals or residents of this State:
    IB,
    KR
    Does national legislation restrict the filing of international applications with foreign Offices?
    Patent Act, Art. 41
    Applies to applications which may be of interest for national defense
    Yes
    Filing restrictions apply to:
    Applications by residents
    Competent designated (or elected) Office(s) for this State:
    Refer to corresponding National Phase.
    KR
    Types of protection available via the PCT:
    Patents,
    Utility models
    Payment methods accepted by the Office:
    As RO:
    The fees for international filing and international search can be transferred to one of the account numbers given to each payer during the international filing.
    As IPEA:
    The fee for international preliminary examination can be paid by wire transfer or online by credit card. The payment can be effected by following the instructions below.
    1. Wire transfer information
    (1) Bank name: National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Government Complex Daejeon Branch
    (2) SWIFT code: NACFKRSE
    (3) Account No.: 676-01-011484
    (4) Beneficiary’s name: MOIP
    Please note that when you make a wire transfer, you will need to consider the sender and intermediary's bank processing fees for the purpose of transferring the exact amounts of the fees. In order to ensure that MOIP receives the full payment, the wire sender should inform their bank that they will be responsible for all intermediary bank processing fees. This amount may vary depending on the number of banking entities involved in the money transfer.
    Please include the PCT application number, name of applicant, type of the fee to be paid, amount that should be paid, etc. in the remittance information so that payment is assigned to the correct application.
    2. Credit card payment information
    Payment of fees by credit card on MOIP’s website: https://www.moip.go.kr/en
    => PCT ISA Portal => PCT Fees Payment. If you enter your international application number and password (file reference), Payment information is displayed. You can proceed with the credit card payment according to the displayed information.
    Note that you can find your list for payment after you have sent ISA/KR or IPEA/KR a letter to express your intention to pay the fees.
    As DO:
    For further details, refer to https://www.moip.go.kr/en/HtmlApp?c=92004&.
    The fees can be transferred to one of the account numbers given to each payer upon entry into the national phase.
    Availability under the national law for an international-type search (PCT Article 15):
    None
    Provisional protection after international publication:
    After the applicant has filed a translation of the international application into Korean and paid the national fee, the translation will be laid open for public inspection. The applicant may, after the laying open of the application and following a warning by the applicant in the form of a document describing the contents of the invention claimed in the application, require a person who has commercially worked the invention, after the warning but before the registration of the patent right, to pay in compensation a sum of money equivalent to what he would normally be entitled to receive for the working of the invention if it were a patented invention.
    Information of interest if this Contracting State is designated (or elected)
    Time when the name and address of the inventor must be given:
    May be in the request or may be furnished later. If not already complied with within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time fixed in the invitation.
    Are there special provisions concerning earlier national applications from which priority is claimed and what are the effects of these provisions?
    Article 56 of the Korean Patent Law provides that the filing of an international application which contains the designation of the Republic of Korea and claims the priority of an earlier national application for the grant of a patent or a utility model having effect in the Republic of Korea shall have the result that the earlier national application will be considered withdrawn 15 months after the filing date of the earlier national patent application, provided that this shall not apply where that earlier application falls under any of the following subparagraphs:
    (i) where the earlier application has been abandoned, invalidated or withdrawn
    (ii) where a decision or a trial decision to grant or refuse a patent or a utility model registration has become final and conclusive; or
    (iii) where priority claims based on the earlier application concerned have been withdrawn
    If the applicant of an international application which claims the priority of an earlier national application wants to avoid this effect, pursuant to PCT Rule 4.9(b), the applicant may exclude the Republic of Korea from the automatic designation or, with respect to the earlier national patent application, may consider to withdraw the designation of the Republic of Korea subsequently to the filing of the international application but before the expiration of 15 months from the priority date
    Are there special provisions concerning the deposit of microorganisms and other biological material?
    Yes, refer to Annex L.

    Annex C - Receiving Office

    Competent receiving Office for nationals and residents of:
    Republic of Korea
    Language in which international applications may be filed:
    If the language in which the international application is filed is not accepted by the International Searching Authority (refer to Annex D), the applicant will have to furnish a translation (PCT Rule 12.3).
    English,
    Japanese,
    Korean
    Language accepted for language-dependent free text in the sequence listing:
    English (recommended),
    Korean,
    or both
    Language in which the request may be filed:
    English,
    Japanese,
    Korean
    Number of copies required by the receiving Office if the international application is filed on paper:
    3
    Does the receiving Office accept the filing of international applications in electronic form?
    For the relevant notifications by the Office, refer to the Official Notices (PCT Gazette) dated 2 August 2024, pages 125 et seq. and 17 July 2025, pages 114-115.
    Where the international application is filed in electronic form in accordance with and to the extent provided for in Part 7 and Annex F of the Administrative Instructions, the total amount of the international filing fee is reduced (refer to “Fees payable to the RO”).
    Where the international application contains a sequence listing as a separate part of the description, this must be furnished in accordance with Annex C of the Administrative Instructions, that is, in compliance with WIPO Standard ST.26 XML format; no fees are due for sequence listings filed in this format. If the receiving Office does not accept international applications in electronic form in such format, the international application will be transmitted to the International Bureau as receiving Office (PCT Rule 19.4(a)(ii-bis)).
    Yes, the Office accepts electronic filing via ePCT-Filing using NK-Editor software or KIPO-Editor software
    Does the receiving Office accept the submission of pre-conversion documents and, if yes, in which format (Section 706 of the PCT Administrative Instructions)?
    Yes, any format
    Does the receiving Office accept incorporation by reference (PCT Rule 20.6)?
    No
    Does the receiving Office accept the submission of color drawings on an informal basis and transmit them to the International Bureau?
    No
    Does the receiving Office accept requests for restoration of the right of priority (PCT Rule 26bis.3)?
    No
    Competent International Searching Authority:
    AT,
    AU,
    KR,
    SG

    JP
    The Office is competent only for international applications filed in Japanese or for which a translation into Japanese has been furnished under PCT Rule 12.3.
    Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority:
    AT,
    AU,
    KR

    JP,
    SG

    The Office is competent only if the international search is or has been carried out by that Office.
    Fees payable to the RO:
    Transmittal fee:
    45,000 KRW
    International filing fee:
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    1,330 CHF
    Fee per sheet in excess of 30:
    15 CHF
    Reductions (under Schedule of Fees, item 4):
    Electronic filing (the request not being in character-coded format):
    100 CHF
    Electronic filing (the request, description, claims and abstract in character coded format):
    300 CHF
    Search fee:
    Refer to
    Annex D(AT)
    Annex D(AU)
    Annex D(JP)
    Annex D(KR)
    Annex D(SG)
    Fee for priority document (PCT Rule 17.1(b)):
    None
    Is an agent required by the receiving Office?
    No, if the applicant resides in the Republic of Korea
    Yes, if the applicant is a non-resident
    Who can act as agent?
    Any registered patent attorney or legal representative
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Office waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    No
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    Not applicable
    Has the Office waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    No
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    Not applicable

    Annex D - International Searching Authority

    International Searching Authority competent for the following Receiving Offices:
    Applicants that provide an e-mail authorization in their international application will be sent an encrypted copy of the International Search Report (PCT/ISA/210) by e-mail. It can be opened using a password which appears at the bottom of the Notification of Receipt of Search Copy (PCT/ISA/202).
    The Office, in its capacity as International Searching Authority, accepts documents submitted by applicants after the international filing date through ePCT. For the official notification from the Office refer to the Official Notices (PCT Gazette) dated 15 November 2018, page 307 et seq.
    AE,
    AU,
    BN,
    CL,
    CO,
    CV,
    ID,
    KH,
    KR,
    LA,
    LK,
    MN,
    MX,
    MY,
    NZ,
    PE,
    PH,
    SA,
    SG,
    TH,
    US,
    VN
    Fees payable to the ISA:
    Search fee (PCT Rule 16):
    This fee is payable to the receiving Office in the currency or one of the currencies accepted by it (refer to Annex C). This fee will be reduced by 75% where the applicant or, if there are two or more applicants, each applicant is a national of, and has a residence or business domicile in, one of the following States: Cambodia, Colombia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam
    — for international applications filed in English or for which a translation into English has been furnished under PCT Rule 12.3.
    1,322 AUD
    696 CHF
    755 EUR
    1,200,000 KRW
    1,460 NZD
    1,092 SGD
    888 USD
    — for international applications filed in Korean or for which a translation into Korean has been furnished under PCT Rule 12.3.
    This fee is payable to the receiving Office in the currency or one of the currencies accepted by it.
    496 AUD
    261 CHF
    283 EUR
    450,000 KRW
    548 NZD
    410 SGD
    333 USD
    Additional search fees (PCT Rule 40.2 and 40bis):
    This fee is payable to the International Searching Authority and only in particular circumstances.
    — for international applications filed in English or for which a translation into English has been furnished under PCT Rule 12.3.
    1,200,000 KRW
    — for international applications filed in Korean or for which a translation into Korean has been furnished under PCT Rule 12.3.
    450,000 KRW
    Fee for copies of documents cited in the international search report (PCT Rule 44.3):
    per page 100 KRW
    How to obtain copies:
    The Authority provides copies of each document cited in the international search report for download, free of charge, for six months from the date of mailing of the report
    Documents can be downloaded at: https://www.patent.go.kr/smart/jsp/kiponet/ma/mamarkapply/infomodifypatent/PCTStatusInfo.do
    After six months from the date of mailing of the international search report or in case of problems with downloading the documents, applicants should contact the Authority:
    e-mail: isamoip@korea.kr
    facsimile: (82-42) 481 85 78)
    or the PCT Korea Center in the United States of America:
    e-mail: pctkorea@pctkorea.com
    facsimile: (1-703) 388 10 84
    Paper copies of cited documents can be obtained directly at the Office subject to the fee mentioned below
    Fee for copies of documents contained in the file of the international application (PCT Rule 94.1ter):
    per page 100 KRW
    Protest fee (PCT Rule 40.2(e)):
    11,000 KRW
    Late furnishing fee (PCT Rule 13ter.1(c)):
    112,500 KRW
    Conditions for refund and amount of refund of the search fee:
    Money paid by mistake, without cause, or in excess, will be refunded
    Where the international application is withdrawn or is considered withdrawn, under PCT Article 14(1), (3) or (4), before the start of the international search:
    refund of 100%
    Where the Authority benefits from an earlier search already made by the Authority, upon request by the applicant
    refund of 75%
    Languages accepted for international search:
    English,
    Korean
    Types of physical media accepted for the furnishing of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listings:
    Diskette, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, DVD-R
    Subject matter that will not be searched:
    The subject matter specified in items (i) to (vi) of PCT Rule 39.1 with the exception of any subject matter searched under the patent grant procedure in accordance with the provisions of patent law of the Republic of Korea
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    No
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    Not applicable
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    No
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    Not applicable

    Annex E - International Preliminary Examining Authority

    International Preliminary Examining Authority competent for the following Receiving Offices:
    Applicants that provide an e-mail authorization in their international application will be sent an encrypted copy of the International Preliminary Report on Patentability (Chapter II of the Patent Cooperation Treaty) (PCT/IPEA/409) by e-mail. It can be opened using a password which appears at the bottom of the Notification of Receipt of Demand by Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority (PCT/IPEA/402).
    AE,
    AU,
    BN,
    CL,
    CO,
    CV,
    ID,
    KH,
    KR,
    LA,
    LK,
    MN,
    MX,
    MY,
    NZ,
    PE,
    PH,
    SA,
    SG,
    TH,
    US,
    VN
    Are there any restrictions with regard to the competence of the Authority acting as an International Preliminary Examining Authority?
    No
    Fees payable to the IPEA:
    Preliminary examination fee (PCT Rule 58):
    This fee is payable to the International Preliminary Examining Authority.
    450,000 KRW
    Additional preliminary examination fee (PCT Rule 68.3):
    This fee is payable to the International Preliminary Examining Authority and only in particular circumstances.
    450,000 KRW
    Handling fee (PCT Rule 57.1):
    This fee is payable to the International Preliminary Examining Authority. It is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    345,000 KRW
    Fee for copies of documents cited in the international preliminary examination report (PCT Rule 71.2):
    per page 100 KRW
    How to obtain copies:
    The Authority provides copies of each document cited in the international preliminary examination report for download, free of charge, for six months from the date of mailing of the report
    Documents can be downloaded at:
    https://www.patent.go.kr/smart/jsp/kiponet/ma/mamarkapply/infomodifypatent/PCTStatusInfo.do
    After six months from the date of mailing of the international preliminary examination report or in case of problems with downloading the documents, applicants should contact the Authority:
    e-mail: isamoip@korea.kr
    facsimile: (82-42) 481 85 78)
    or the PCT Korea Center in the United States of America:
    e-mail: pctkorea@pctkorea.com
    facsimile: (1-703) 388 10 84
    Paper copies of cited documents can be obtained directly at the Office subject to the fee mentioned above
    Fee for copies of documents contained in the file of the international application (PCT Rule 94.2):
    per page 100 KRW
    Protest fee (PCT Rule 68.3(e)):
    11,000 KRW
    Late furnishing fee (PCT Rule 13ter.2):
    112,500 KRW
    Conditions for refund and amount of refund of the preliminary examination fee:
    Money paid by mistake, without cause, or in excess, will be refunded
    In the cases provided for under PCT Rule 58.3:
    refund of 100%
    If the international application or the demand is withdrawn before the start of the international preliminary examination:
    refund of 100%
    Languages accepted for international preliminary examination:
    English,
    Korean
    Subject matter that will not be examined:
    The subject matter specified in items (i) to (vi) of PCT Rule 67.1 with the exception of any subject matter examined under the patent grant procedure in accordance with the provisions of patent law of the Republic of Korea
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    No
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    Not applicable
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    No
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    Not applicable

    Annex L - Deposits of Microorganisms and Other Biological Material

    Requirements of designated and elected Offices
    Only Offices whose applicable national law contains provisions concerning the deposits of microorganisms and other biological material are listed in Annex L. Unless otherwise indicated, deposits may be made for the purposes of patent procedure before these Offices with any depositary institution having acquired the status of international depositary authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.
    For a list of these institutions refer to:
    http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/registration/budapest/pdf/idalist.pdf (and the detailed requirements for each institution at: https://www.wipo.int/budapest/en/guide/section_d/subsection_c.html)
    Notifications related thereto may be consulted under:
    http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/registration/budapest/
    Further information concerning the requirements of international depository authorities under the Budapest Treaty is available at:
    http://www.wipo.int/budapest/en/guide/index.html
    Time (if any) earlier than 16 months from priority date by which applicant must furnish:
    — the indications prescribed in Rule 13bis.3(a)(i) to (iii):
    At the time of filing (must be in the description)
    — any additional indications:
    None
    Additional indications (if any) which must be given besides those prescribed in Rule 13bis.3(a)(i) to (iii) pursuant to notifications from the Office:
    None
    Additional information
    For the purposes of patent procedure before the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea), a deposit is required not later than at the date of filing the international application. A receipt attesting the deposit and its acceptance issued by the depositary institution with which the microorganism was deposited must be submitted to the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea) within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).

    National Phase

    Summary of requirements for entry into the national phase

    Time limits applicable for entry into the national phase:
    Under PCT Article 22(3): 31 months from the priority date
    Under PCT Article 39(1)(b): 31 months from the priority date
    Does the Office permit reinstatement of rights (PCT Rule 49.6)?
    No
    Translation of international application required into (one of) the following language(s):
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    Korean
    Required contents of the translation for entry into the national phase:
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    The request does not need to be translated when Form No. 57 is used for entering the national phase (refer to Annex KR.II).
    Under PCT Article 22: Request, description, claims (if amended, as originally filed or as amended, together with any statement under PCT Article 19, at applicant’s option), any text matter of drawings, abstract
    Under PCT Article 39(1): Request,2 description, claims, any text matter of drawings, abstract (if any of those parts has been amended, both as originally filed and as amended by the annexes to the international preliminary examination report)
    Is a copy of the international application required in particular circumstances?
    Since 20 May 2019, where applicants wish to enter the national phase early, i.e. before the international publication has taken place, the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea) in its capacity as designated/elected Office, will retrieve a copy of the international application, and other documents associated therewith, directly from the International Bureau.
    No
    Does the Office accept color drawings under its national law?
    Yes
    National fees:
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    Patents
    Filing fee:
    — when a translation of the application has been furnished
    in electronic form 46,000 KRW
    on paper 66,000 KRW
    — per sheet in excess of 20
    This fee applies to the total number of sheets of the description, drawings (if any) and abstract.
    on paper, plus 1,000 KRW
    Fee for request for examination
    166,000 KRW
    For each claim
    plus 51,000 KRW
    Annual fees from the 1st to the 3rd year
    per year 13,000 KRW
    For each claim
    plus 12,000 KRW
    Utility models
    Filing fee:
    — when a translation of the application has been furnished
    in electronic form 20,000 KRW
    on paper 30,000 KRW
    — per sheet in excess of 20
    This fee applies to the total number of sheets of the description, drawings (if any) and abstract.
    on paper, plus 1,000 KRW
    Fee for request for examination
    71,000 KRW
    For each claim
    plus 19,000 KRW
    Annual fees from the 1st to the 3rd year
    per year 12,000 KRW
    For each claim
    plus 4,000 KRW
    Exemptions, reductions or refunds of fees:
    Filing fee, fee for request for examination, annual fees from the 1st to the 3rd year and fee for request for scope confirmation trial are reduced by 70% where the applicant is a natural person and is also the inventor. However, if the number of applications per year by the applicant exceeds 20, the application fee will be reduced by 30% only
    The fee for request for examination is reduced by 70% where the international search report and/or the international preliminary examination report has been established by the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea)
    Special requirements of the Office (PCT Rule 51bis):
    Name and address of the inventor if they have not been furnished in the “Request” part of the international application
    If not already complied with within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time limit which shall not be less than two months from the date of the invitation.
    This requirement may be satisfied if the corresponding declaration has been made in accordance with PCT Rule 4.17.
    Appointment of an agent if the applicant is not resident in the Republic of Korea
    Must be appointed within two months from the expiration of the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    Furnishing, where applicable, of a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listing in electronic form
    Who can act as agent?
    Any registered patent attorney or legal representative
    Does the Office accept the effect of restoration of the right of priority by the receiving Office (PCT Rule 49ter.1)?
    No
    Does the Office accept requests for restoration of the right of priority (PCT Rule 49ter.2)?
    No

    The procedure in the national Phase

    KR.01 FORMS FOR ENTERING THE NATIONAL PHASE
    PL Sec. 203
    The Office has available a transmittal form for entering the national phase (Form No. 57, refer to Annex KR.II) and strongly recommends the use of this Form. When this Form is used, the Request does not need to be translated under PCT Rule 49.1(a)(i). If amendments have been made during the international phase under PCT Article 19, or during the international preliminary examination under PCT Article 34, Form No. 13 (refer to Annex KR.VI) should preferably be used for the furnishing of a translation of such amendments into Korean. Forms Nos. 57 and 13 are also available on MOIP’s web site at: https://www.moip.go.kr
    KR.02 TRANSLATION (CORRECTION)
    PL Sec. 201(3)
    A revised translation of the international application can be furnished before the expiration of the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1) unless a request for examination (refer to paragraph KR.06) has already been filed. Errors in the translation may also be corrected when amendments to the application are permitted (refer to paragraph KR.10).
    KR.03 FEES (MANNER OF PAYMENT)
    PL Sec. 79(1),
    PL Sec. 82(1)

    The manner of payment of the fees indicated in the Summary and in this Chapter is outlined in Annex KR.I.
    KR.04 POWER OF ATTORNEY
    PL Sec. 5(1)
    An agent must be appointed by filing a power of attorney. Where the power of attorney is in a language other than Korean, a Korean translation is required. A model is given in Annex KR.IV (English translation).
    KR.05 PRIORITY DOCUMENT
    ER Sec. 113
    The Minister of the Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) (Republic of Korea) or the President of the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board (IPTAB) may, if necessary for the examination or trial, invite the applicant to submit the Korean translation of the priority document within a designated period. In case of identity between the text of the priority document and the international application, a statement to that effect may be furnished instead of a translation.
    KR.06 REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION
    PL Sec. 60,
    PL Sec. 210

    A patent will be granted only after examination as to patentability which may be requested by the applicant or by a third party. The request for examination must be made in writing and in Korean, on Form No. 22 which is given in Annex KR.III.
    KR.07 TIME LIMIT FOR REQUESTING EXAMINATION
    PL Sec. 59(2)
    Examination must be requested within three years from the international filing date (see, however, for utility models, paragraph KR.13). Such request can only be made once all requirements for entry into the national phase (refer to the Summary) have been complied with. The request for examination is considered by the Office as a request for early start of the national phase if it is made before the expiration of the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1) (refer to paragraph NP 3.004 of the National Phase).
    KR.08 FEE FOR REQUESTING EXAMINATION
    PL Sec. 82
    The request for examination is only effective if the fee for requesting examination has been paid. The amount of the fee is indicated in Annex KR.I.
    KR.09 ANNUAL FEES
    PL Sec. 79(1)
    After examination, prior to the grant of a patent, annual fees must be paid for the first to the third year. These fees must be paid all at one and the same time within three months after receipt of the decision to grant a patent. The annual fees for the fourth and subsequent years must be paid before the anniversary of the date of the first payment. Payment can still be made, together with a 18% surcharge for late payment, before the expiration of six months from the anniversary of the date of the first payment. The amounts of the annual fees are indicated in Annex KR.I. Payment must be effected by filing Form No. 25. This form may be obtained from the Office.
    KR.10 AMENDMENT OF THE APPLICATION; TIME LIMITS
    PCT Article 28,
    PCT Article 41,
    PL Sec. 47(1),
    PL Sec. 208

    The applicant may amend the specification or drawings attached to the application before the examiner issues a certified copy of a decision to grant a patent. However, in cases that fall under any of the following subparagraphs, the applicant may amend the application within the following time limit:
    (i) where the applicant receives a notice of the grounds for rejection (excluding a notice of grounds for rejection with regard to a ground for rejection which has arisen according to the amendment following the notice of grounds for rejection) for the first time or receives a notice of the grounds for rejection that does not apply under paragraph (ii): the applicable time limit is the period for submission of arguments against a notice of the grounds for rejection thereof;
    (ii) where the applicant receives a notice of the grounds for rejection (and where the examiner issues a notice of revocation of decision to grant patent for ex officio reexamination, excluding a notice of grounds for rejection which has been issued before the examiner issues that notice) which has arisen as a result of an amendment following a notice of the grounds for rejection: the applicable time limit is the period for submission of arguments against a notice of the grounds for rejection thereof; or
    (iii) where an applicant requests a reexamination in accordance with Article 67bis against a decision of rejection of a patent: at the time of filing of the request.
    Notwithstanding the first paragraph, no amendment to an international patent application (except an amendment under PCT Articles 19(1) and 34(2)(b)) may be made until the fees have been paid, a translation of the application (except in the case of an international patent application made in the Korean language) has been submitted, and the relevant date (either 31 months from the priority date or after the filing date of a request for examination, whichever is earlier), has passed.
    KR.11 REVIEW UNDER ARTICLE 25 OF THE PCT
    PCT Article 25,
    PCT Rule 51,
    PL Sec. 214,
    UML Sec. 40

    The applicable procedure is outlined in paragraphs NP 6.018 to NP 6.021 of the National Phase. The request for review to the Office should be filed with Form No. 58, which is given in Annex KR.V, within two months from the date of the notification to the applicant of the refusal, declaration, or finding referred to in PCT Article 25(1).
    KR.12 EXCUSE OF DELAYS IN MEETING TIME LIMITS
    PCT Article 24(2),
    PCT Article 48(2)

    The Office does not excuse the failure to comply with any time limits during the national phase.
    KR.13 UTILITY MODEL
    UML Sec. 17
    The requirements for the national phase are basically the same as for patents, except that the fees for utility models must be paid (refer to Annex KR.I, page 2). Examination must be requested within three years from the international filing date.
    KR.14
    PCT Article 7(2)(ii),
    UML Sec. 36

    Where, in the case referred to in paragraph KR.13, the international application does not contain drawings, the applicant must furnish the drawing(s) within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1). Where the applicant does not furnish the drawing(s) within that time limit, the Office will invite him to furnish the drawing(s) within a time limit fixed in the invitation.
    KR.15 CONVERSION APPLICATION
    UML Sec. 10,
    UML Sec. 37

    An international application for a patent may be converted into an application for a utility model after the applicant has complied with the requirements for entry into the national phase for a patent application as indicated in the Summary. The conversion is subject to the payment of a fee for conversion indicated in Annex KR.I and may be requested at any time within 30 days from the date of (first) receipt of a certified copy of the decision of refusal.
    KR.16
    PL Sec. 53,
    PL Sec. 209

    An international application for a utility model may be converted into an application for a patent after the applicant has complied with the requirements for entry into the national phase for a utility model application as indicated in the Summary. The conversion is subject to the payment of a fee for conversion indicated in Annex KR.I and may be requested at any time within 30 days from the date of receipt of a certified copy of the decision of refusal.

    Annexes

    Annex KR.I - Fees
    Patents
    National fee:
    — when a translation of the application has been furnished
    in electronic form 46,000 KRW
    on paper 66,000 KRW
    — per sheet in excess of 20
    This fee applies to the total number of sheets of the description, drawings (if any) and abstract.
    on paper, plus 1,000 KRW
    Fee for claiming priority:
    — when a request for claiming priority is made
    — for each priority claim
    in electronic form 18,000 KRW
    on paper 20,000 KRW
    Fee for request for examination
    166,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 51,000 KRW
    Fee for conversion of a patent application into a utility model application
    Same as national fee for utility models
    Annual fees:
    These fees may all be paid at the same time or in installments.
    — for the 1st to the 3rd year (must all be paid at one and the same time)
    per year 13,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 12,000 KRW
    — for the 4th to the 6th year, per year
    36,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 20,000 KRW
    — for the 7th to the 9th year, per year
    90,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 34,000 KRW
    — for the 10th to the 12th year, per year
    216,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 49,000 KRW
    — for the 13th to the 25th year, per year
    324,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 49,000 KRW
    Utility Models
    National fee:
    — when a translation of the application has been furnished
    in electronic form 20,000 KRW
    on paper 30,000 KRW
    — per sheet in excess of 20
    on paper, plus 1,000 KRW
    This fee applies to the total number of sheets of the description, drawings (if any) and abstract
    Fee for claiming priority:
    — when a request for claiming priority is made
    — for each claim
    in electronic form 18,000 KRW
    on paper 20,000 KRW
    Fee for request for examination
    71,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 19,000 KRW
    Fee for conversion of a utility model application into a patent application
    Same as national fee for patents
    Annual fees:
    These fees may all be paid at the same time or in installments.
    — for the 1st to the 3rd year (must all be paid at one and the same time), per year
    12,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 4,000 KRW
    — for the 4th to the 6th year, per year
    25,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 9,000 KRW
    — for the 7th to the 9th year, per year
    60,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 14,000 KRW
    — for the 10th to the 12th year, per year
    160,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 20,000 KRW
    — for the 13th to the 15th year, per year
    240,000 KRW
    — for each claim
    plus 20,000 KRW
    How can payment of fees be effected?
    For further details, refer to https://www.moip.go.kr/en/HtmlApp?c=92004&.
    The fees can be transferred to one of the account numbers given to each payer upon entry into the national phase.
    Current version applicable from 15 Oct 2025 , printed on 4 Nov 2025
    2.2 #31 - 2025-10-15T11:58:01.602+02:00