Korea’s 2026 IP Valuation Support Program for Investment is accepting rolling applications from SMEs and qualifying early-stage mid-sized companies that own strong patents or trademarks and are seeking investment. The subsidy enables investors to use an accredited IP valuation report in due diligence and investment review.

Funding levels

• Base subsidy: up to 80% of the valuation fee
• Preferential subsidy: up to 90% when documented conditions are met
• Patent monetary valuation: up to KRW 12 million
• Standard patent rating: up to KRW 9.6 million
• Focused patent rating: up to KRW 6 million
• Trademark monetary valuation: up to KRW 12 million

Published fees exclude VAT. Approved excess costs and VAT are borne by the applicant.

Eligibility

The target company must be a Korean SME or qualifying early-stage mid-sized company with a published Korean patent application, registered patent or registered trademark. An investment institution considering the company must participate; eligible investor types include venture capital firms, new-technology finance companies, corporate venture capital, accelerators and angel clubs.

Application period

The KIPA listing displays December 31, 2026, but the official notice states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the budget is exhausted. Applicants should not treat year-end as a guaranteed deadline.

How to apply

1. Discuss the planned investment and review process with an investor.
2. Consult an accredited valuation institution about the report type, quotation and schedule.
3. Prepare the quotation and investment-linked IP valuation utilization plan.
4. Submit the application and evidence through the IP Finance Management System at iphub.or.kr.

Required documents

Core materials include the application, recent IP register or published patent document, business registration certificate, consent forms, utilization plan, valuation quotation and SME confirmation. Additional powers of attorney, financial statements or early-stage mid-sized company evidence may apply.

Preferential rates and cautions

Qualifying young-led companies and certain IP-certified or IP-mutual-aid companies may receive a 10-percentage-point preference. Venture, Innobiz, early startup and non-capital-region companies may qualify for 5 points, subject to evidence and the 90% ceiling. Changes in rights or application facts require prior consultation, while unpaid matching funds or unjustified withdrawal can restrict future participation.

Contact and official notice

Korea Invention Promotion Association IP Valuation Support Office: +82-2-3459-2942 or +82-2-3459-2923.

Official amended notice

Based on the amended notice available August 3, 2026. Confirm remaining budget and current forms before applying.

BTS will not submit its fifth studio album, ARIRANG, or its songs for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, setting off a global debate about whether music should be categorized by region and language.

What happened

On July 29, all seven members posted the same message announcing that they would not enter this year’s Grammy process. They expressed the hope that music could be heard and loved for what it is rather than divided by region or language. According to AP, the group’s representative offered no further comment.

Why the Asian Pop category is controversial

On June 16, the Recording Academy announced five new categories for the 2027 Grammys, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance. The Academy says the award is intended to recognize pop releases across K-pop, J-pop, C-pop and beyond. Critics and some fans argue that a regional label may become a separate lane for Asian artists already competing in global mainstream pop.

The Recording Academy’s response

CEO Harvey Mason jr. said he was saddened by the decision but understood and respected it. He maintained that the category was designed to celebrate the depth, diversity and growth of Asian pop. He also clarified that entry in a genre category does not prevent consideration in the General Field, including Record, Album and Song of the Year.

Facts that matter

• BTS did not withdraw existing nominations; it chose not to submit recordings for the 2027 process.
• Grammy consideration requires an eligible party to submit a recording; it is not automatic.
• BTS has received five Grammy nominations but has not won.
• The Academy says Asian Pop entries remain eligible for General Field consideration when properly submitted.

Why the decision matters

The move sharpens a long-running tension between greater representation and regional compartmentalization. A dedicated category can create visibility and more winners, while also risking the perception that Asian acts belong outside mainstream pop. BTS’s market power makes this more than a symbolic absence and may intensify scrutiny of how the category is defined and used.

Sources

• AP: BTS declines 2027 Grammy submission
• AP: Recording Academy CEO responds
• Official Grammy category and rule update

Based on confirmed statements available August 3, 2026. Interpretations of the wider debate are identified separately from reported facts.

Korea is accepting third-round applications for its 2026 IP Commercialization-Linked Intellectual Property Valuation Support Program. The program helps rights holders obtain an objective valuation for technology transfer, in-kind contribution, feasibility review, marketing or technical certification.

Funding

• Base subsidy: up to 50% of the valuation fee before VAT
• Preferential rate: up to 60% when qualifying conditions are documented
• Annual cap: KRW 50 million per applicant across IP finance and commercialization support
• Technical-certification cap: KRW 25 million
• VAT is paid by the applicant

Who may apply

Eligible applicants include Korean SMEs, qualifying early-stage mid-sized companies and individuals that own or exclusively license a published Korean patent application or a registered patent, trademark or utility model. Certain prospective buyers in a technology transfer and parties pursuing an IP in-kind contribution may also qualify.

Deadline and schedule

Applications close at 5:00 p.m. KST on August 7, 2026. Review is scheduled for August 10–21, valuation for September–November and subsidy payment for December, subject to change.

Choose one valuation purpose

Applicants select one of five purposes: technology transfer, in-kind contribution, business feasibility, marketing and promotion, or technical certification. The same IP may receive support once per year for only one purpose.

How to apply

Consult an approved valuation institution and obtain its quotation first. The institution then files all or part of the application through the IP Finance Management System at iphub.or.kr. Required materials include the application, utilization plan, consent forms, quotation, and IP and company eligibility evidence.

Review and cautions

The presentation review considers innovation, differentiation, IP strength, the utilization plan, commercialization capability and market-entry prospects. Prior support under the same program in 2026, duplicate public funding or false documents may result in exclusion, cancellation or recovery.

Contact and official notice

Korea Invention Promotion Association IP Valuation Support Office: +82-2-3459-2935.

Official third-round notice

Based on the official notice available August 2, 2026. Verify attachments and current dates before applying.