Domestic patent applications in South Korea totaled 141,259 in the first half of this year, a record high, the Korea Intellectual Property Administration said on the 17th. The figure marks a 29.2% increase from 109,322 in the same period last year.
Individuals drove this year's growth in patent filings. Applications from individuals reached 33,819 in the first half, up 1.34-fold from 14,454 a year earlier. Their share of total patent applications widened to 23.9% from 13.2% over the same period.
Domestic trademark applications also set a record, reaching 180,787 in the first half, an 18.6% increase from a year earlier.
The agency attributes the surge in patent and trademark filings to the widespread use of generative artificial intelligence, which it says has lowered the barrier for individuals to file applications directly.
