TRADEMARK COUNTRIES

South Korea is a large and modern economy, offering Australian businesses endless export opportunities. Protecting your brand with a trade mark registration is a crucial first step to building a strong foundation for longterm growth and success in South Korea.

Why Register Your Trade Mark in South Korea?

A trade mark registration in South Korea gives you:

• Exclusive rights to use your brand for your registered goods or services in South Korea.
• Ability to export to South Korea and deal with local business partners with confidence
• The legal tools to stop copycats and counterfeiters anywhere in South Korea.
• The ability to take action in South Korean Courts to enforce your rights.
• Border protection by recording your trade mark with South Korean Customs to stop counterfeit imports.
• The right to use the ® symbol within South Korea, showing that your brand is officially protected.

In short, a trade mark in South Korea is an extremely valuable asset for your business.

How the Process Works

We guide you through every step of the trade mark process in South Korea:

1. Search & Advice – We check if your brand can be registered and is clear to use in South Korea.
2. Application Filing – We prepare and lodge your application with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
3. Examination & Publication – We manage status updates, examiner reports, objections, and possible oppositions.
4. Registration – We provide you with the registration certificate and advise you on proper trade mark use in South Korea.
5. Renewal – We remind you when renewal is due each ten (10) years.
6. Ongoing Support – Our trade mark attorneys in South Korea serve as your local representative, ensuring you receive all official correspondence and English translation.

What You Should Know

• Use is important: While you don’t need to show use when filing, you must use your trade mark in commerce to keep it valid. After a 3-year grace period, other traders may apply for full or partial cancellation of your trade mark based on non-use.
• Strict examination rules: KIPO carefully examines trade mark applications to prevent confusion with existing Korean brands.
• Translation: Trade mark specifications must be carefully translated into Korean language to ensure proper protection.
• Foreign applicants: If you are outside of South Korea, you must appoint a Korean representative to manage your application and official correspondence.

Why Work With Us

We specialise in helping businesses protect their brands internationally, including in South Korea. From the initial clearance search to long-term brand strategy, we make the process clear, efficient, and strategic so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.