Questel and WIPS Sign Global Patent Annuity Service Agreement in Seoul

Questel, a global leader in intellectual property (IP) solutions, and WIPS, South Korea’s premier IP service provider, have officially signed a strategic agreement to collaborate on global patent renewal management services. The signing ceremony was held on June 5, 2025, at the French Embassy in Seoul, in the presence of Philippe Bertoux, French Ambassador to South Korea, Charles Besson, CEO of Questel, and Lee Hyeong-chil, President of WIPS

This agreement marks a significant step toward providing comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective patent renewal management solutions to IP holders worldwide. WIPS recently launched a one-stop annuity management service, providing real-time payment monitoring and streamlined processing for both domestic and international patent holders. The partnership with Questel enables WIPS to offer global coverage spanning over 100 countries, backed by the Questel group’s industry-leading technology and reputation for exceptional reliability. 

Questel, founded in France in 1978, is recognized as a top-tier global IP solutions provider, supporting Fortune 500 companies, international law firms, and leading R&D institutions. The group is particularly known for having one of the lowest rates of missed annuity payments globally. 
 “We are proud to partner with WIPS and expand our footprint in Asia through this agreement,” said Charles Besson, CEO of Questel. “Together, we will deliver robust and secure patent renewal services, ensuring peace of mind for IP owners worldwide.” 
 

Lee Hyeong-chil, President of WIPS, added: “By leveraging Questel’s global network, WIPS can now resolve service gaps in countries previously unsupported. This collaboration allows us to enhance service quality and continue developing innovative IP services that benefit our clients.” 
The partnership is a testament to the growing importance of international cooperation in IP management and further solidifies Questel’s commitment to supporting clients globally with end-to-end IP lifecycle solutions.