There are several ways to lower the cost of intellectual property (IP) in South Korea:

1. File for a patent early: Filing for a patent early can help to reduce the overall cost of obtaining a patent, as the patent office will typically process early filings more quickly than later ones.
   
   
2. File for a utility model: South Korea has a system of "utility model" patents, which are similar to regular patents but are less expensive and faster to obtain.
   
   
3. File for a design patent: South Korea also has a system of design patents, which can be used to protect the appearance of a product. Design patents are less expensive to obtain than utility model or standard patents.
   
   
4. File a PCT application: By filing a PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application, you can delay the cost of filing in multiple countries.
   
   
5. Consider open-source licenses: Open-source licenses can be a cost-effective way to share and distribute software, as they allow others to use and modify the software without having to pay for a license.
   
   
6. Seek for legal advice: Consulting with a legal expert can help you to make sure you are following the correct process and also can help you to find the most cost-effective way to protect your IP
   
   
7. Take advantage of government incentives: South Korean government provides various incentives and support for businesses, including financial assistance, tax breaks, and access to research and development funding for IP related issues.

Keep in mind that these are general suggestions and it can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your IP and the industry you operate in. It is always advisable to consult with a professional or an expert to make sure you are following the correct process.

For more information, please ask

shawn@BLT.kr 

www.BLT.kr