# Nine out of ten exporting SMEs abandon litigation even when they become involved in overseas IP disputes (Source: Korea Federation of SMEs, 2025). Overseas IP costs remain an invisible barrier to exports; for example, maintaining 10 patent filings and registrations in Europe for 20 years can costs more than KRW 500 million alone (standard for 10 claims).

The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), led by Minister Kim Yong Sun, announced that, together with relevant ministries and local governments, it will significantly expand legal support for Korean exporters seeking to secure intellectual property (IP) rights overseas and prevent or respond to disputes involving trademarks, patents, and other IP. For 2026, the budget for IP legal support* has been increased by 36% from the previous year, rising from KRW 60.3 billion to KRW 82.3 billion. In addition, the Korean government will strengthen corporate education programs and expand provision of overseas IP information.

*IP legal support includes assistance for overseas investigations, securing rights, and covering costs related to patent, trademark, and design dispute response.

< Expansion of IP Legal Support for Overseas Markets Entry >

The Korean government will allocate a total budget of KRW 82.3 billion to support legal assistance for the prevention of and response to overseas IP disputes, with KRW 17.7 billion of the amount dedicated to securing overseas IP rights. This consists of KRW 58.0 billion from MOIP, KRW 4.6 billion from other relevant ministries and agencies, and KRW 19.7 billion from local governments across 17 metropolitan cities and provinces

MOIP will newly introduce an AI-based early detection system to help identify unauthorized attempts to preemptively register Korean companies’ trademarks overseas, as well as analyze patent acquisition trends by non-practicing entities (NPEs, commonly referred to as “patent trolls”) in order to detect early warning signs of potential litigation. The system will provide companies with risk information in advance so they can prepare proactively.

*Non-Practicing Entity (NPE) refers to a company that does not directly engage in manufacturing or sales but generates revenue through the exercise of patent rights (e.g., licensing or patent infringement lawsuits).

Investigations into the status of IP infringement affecting Korean companies overseas will also be expanded from 3 countries to 10 countries. In addition, diagnostics on the online distribution of counterfeit goods will be dramatically broadened from 29 platforms in 10 countries to 1,650 platforms across 115 countries.

Moreover, the scope of consulting on response strategies for overseas IP disputes will be expanded beyond clear cases of trademark infringement (e.g., counterfeit goods) to also cover broader acts that may cause confusion or mislead consumers into believing that certain products or stores are associated with Korean companies. The support coverage will also be extended from patents (publicly disclosed exclusive technologies) to include trade secret disputes (technologies managed confidentially), thereby minimizing blind spots in protection.

In particular, MOIP plans to work with other government bodies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (securing overseas IP for K-Food) and local governments (strategies for overseas IP acquisition by regional companies), to establish customized support systems tailored by industry and sector. At the same time, for overseas IP disputes that are difficult for individual firms to handle alone, MOIP will establish a cooperative response framework with relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and make active use of overseas diplomatic missions to respond more effectively.

< Expansion of Education and Overseas Local IP Information >
MOIP will expand IP education for exporting companies from 5,000 companies to 6,000 companies and will operate a visiting IP education programs for companies planning to participate in export exhibitions and trade fairs.

A new on-site support service called the “IP Dispute Doctor” will be introduced in which MOIP specialists provide education and consultations to companies. The program will operate in cooperation with related institutions and associations, such as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), which will help connect the program with exporters preparing to enter overseas markets. Through this initiative, tailored IP education will be provided to companies preparing to enter overseas markets in five major consumer goods sectors, including cosmetics, food, and fashion.

In addition, MOIP will develop education programs for companies entering major global platforms (e.g., Amazon) focusing on the securing IP rights and related issues. It also plans to strengthen efforts to provide the local IP information of 30 countries—such as information on rights acquisition procedures, local agents, and dispute trends—through the online comprehensive IP information portal, IP-NAVI .

Minister KIM stated, “Overseas IP disputes are no longer merely a difficulty faced by individual exporting companies, but have become a national issue that determines Korea’s export competitiveness.” He added, “MOIP will stand at the forefront as an ‘IP shield’ to support Korean companies in their challenges in the global market to the very end.”

Source: Ministry of Intellectual Property Public Relations > News