Patent Attorney Hong Kong 2026: Fees, Costs & How to Choose the Right One

A patent attorney in Hong Kong is a registered IP specialist who drafts, files and prosecutes patent applications, advises on patentability and defends your rights against infringement. A standard patent (original grant) costs about HK$4,000 in official filing and substantive examination fees, while a short-term patent costs about HK$613, and full agency packages typically range from HK$26,000 to HK$35,000. Choosing the right patent attorney comes down to technical fit, registered credentials and transparent, itemised pricing.

Key Takeaways

• A patent attorney drafts and files patents and advises on patentability, infringement and licensing.

• Hong Kong offers three main routes: original grant standard patents, re-registration standard patents, and short-term patents.

• Official IPD fees: original grant filing HK$345 (plus HK$68 advertisement) and HK$4,000 substantive examination; short-term patent HK$545 (plus HK$68).

• Agency service fees typically range from HK$26,000 (short-term) to HK$35,000 (original grant full package).

• Hong Kong's 2026 Patent Box regime can cut tax on qualifying IP income to as low as 5%.

What Is a Patent Attorney in Hong Kong?

A patent attorney is a specialist who prepares, files and prosecutes patent applications and advises clients on whether an invention is patentable. Unlike a general IP lawyer, a patent attorney focuses on the technical drafting and claims strategy that determine whether a patent is granted, and how broad its protection is. In Hong Kong, the use of titles such as registered patent attorney is restricted to qualified practitioners, so checking credentials is essential.

Hong Kong Patent Types at a Glance

• Original grant standard patent (O) — filed and examined directly in Hong Kong; best for local-only protection; maximum term 20 years.

• Re-registration standard patent (R) — based on a granted application in China, the UK or the European Patent Office; more cost-effective for cross-border filings.

• Short-term patent — no substantive examination at filing; grants in about 6 months; maximum term 8 years.

• Registered design — protects the appearance of a product; a separate and often-overlooked route.

2026 Official IPD Fees (Patents)

• Original grant standard patent: filing HK$345 (electronic) / HK$480 (paper) + HK$68 advertisement; substantive examination HK$4,000.

• Re-registration standard patent: request to record HK$275 (electronic) / HK$380 (paper) + HK$68; request for grant HK$275 / HK$380 + HK$68.

• Short-term patent: application HK$545 (electronic) / HK$755 (paper) + HK$68; substantive examination (optional) HK$4,000.

• Standard patent renewal: HK$450 per year (years 4 to 10), HK$620 per year (years 11 to 15), HK$850 per year (years 16 to 20).

• Short-term patent renewal: HK$1,080 per year (years 5 to 8).

Agency Service Fees (Market Reference)

• Original grant standard patent full package: about HK$35,000.

• Re-registration standard patent: about HK$3,000 per stage.

• Short-term patent full package (including drafting and search report): about HK$26,000.

• Patent specification drafting: HK$12,000 (Chinese) / HK$15,000 (English).

• PCT international phase: about HK$23,000.

How Long Does It Take?

• Original grant standard patent: about 2 years to grant.

• Re-registration standard patent: about 3 years, driven by the designated patent office.

• Short-term patent: about 6 months.

How to Choose the Right Patent Attorney

• Technical fit: choose someone who understands your technology field, not just IP procedure.

• Registered credentials: verify they are a registered patent attorney or qualified practitioner.

• Transparent fees: insist on an itemised quote covering official fees, drafting and prosecution.

• Track record: ask about grant rates and experience with your industry.

• Communication: confirm they will keep you updated at every stage.

What Changed in 2026

• Patent Box regime: qualifying IP income may be taxed at a reduced rate of 5%.

• Original grant system: Hong Kong now actively promotes direct filing and examination locally.

• Electronic certificates: e-certificates replaced paper certificates from 1 January 2026.

FAQ

What is the difference between a patent attorney and a trademark agent?

A patent attorney drafts and prosecutes patents and handles technical claims, while a trademark agent focuses on trademark search, filing and opposition. Many firms, including Reg Easy IP, offer both.

How much does a patent attorney cost in Hong Kong?

Official IPD fees start at around HK$345 plus HK$68 for an original grant filing, with HK$4,000 for substantive examination. Full agency packages typically range from HK$26,000 to HK$35,000.

How long does a Hong Kong patent take to be granted?

A short-term patent grants in about 6 months, while an original grant standard patent takes about 2 years.

Can a short-term patent be enforced in court?

Yes, but to enforce a short-term patent you generally need to first obtain a substantive examination certificate.

Do I need a Hong Kong address to file a patent?

Yes, non-resident applicants must provide a Hong Kong address for service.

Protect Your Invention with Confidence

Get a free patentability assessment and a transparent, itemised quote before you file. Call +852 2810 6861 or explore our IP services. See also our guide to why you need an intellectual property lawyer.