Hong Kong unleashes $80m "IP Blitz" to monetise local patents

The 2026 Budget backs IP Academy and pilot scheme to turn R&D into tradable assets.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo‑po outlined measures to strengthen Hong Kong’s intellectual property ecosystem, focusing on patent valuation, patent examination, talent training and business matching.

The government will provide $28m to support the Hong Kong Technology and Innovation Support Centre in delivering patent valuation services according to national standards, Chan said in his 2026–27 Budget speech.

A two‑year Pilot Patent Valuation Support Scheme will co-fund enterprises’ engagement of professional valuers to assess the economic and market value of their patents.

The Intellectual Property Department will expand its patent examiner team, particularly for original grant patent applications in key technology areas, to improve local examination capacity and strengthen protection for innovations developed in Hong Kong.

Talent development will be supported through a two-year pilot training programme run by the IPD and the Vocational Training Council, including the establishment of an Intellectual Property Academy with $52m in funding.

The Academy will provide on-the-job training linked to the Qualifications Framework, preparing professionals in patent practice, valuation, licensing and transactions.

The government will also enhance business matching platforms to connect local and Mainland enterprises, deploying Hong Kong IP professionals to business matching events and facilitating collaboration between innovators, investors and licensing partners in the Greater Bay Area.

These initiatives aim to create a more robust IP ecosystem in Hong Kong by improving patent valuation and examination, building skilled talent, and linking innovations to commercial opportunities across the region.